WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE

Healthspan or Lifespan?

We need to think differently about Lifespan. It starts with the end in mind. What’s my expiration date? Healthspan is about how do I get there via quality years of life. The following is drawn from Peter Attia’s book Outlive. This will give you a new perspective on life.

His book compiles the latest science on health and longevity, combined with practical advice anyone can use to live better today and beat four types of chronic disease with the four pillars of good health: exercise, nutrition, sleep, and emotional health. 

There are an estimated 90,000 centenarians living in the U.S. It’s a small percentage of the population, yes, but it’s a number that’s continuing to increase. 

Longevity thinking needs to start early - like in your twenties, if not sooner. As we age, we experience and feel the downward slope of our biological function! So, what's your plan for achieving your Healthspan which includes your cognitive & physical functions and emotional health? What are your Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics? A hint: do the key lifestyle factors brutally well and consistently. We have the power to significantly improve our Lifespan and experience a more fulfilling existence by addressing our physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being now. 

A long and fulfilling life takes preparation, discipline, support and understanding to realize:

·      Bad nutrition can hurt us more than good nutrition can help us.

·      Eat mostly unprocessed foods and low sugar.

·      Exercise is the most Powerful Longevity Drug! In a side-by-side comparison of exercise vs. drug trials, exercise trials perform as well or better than drug interventions. A lack of stability of your joints is akin to having poor tires on a race car. Exercise IS medicine!

·      Sleep, the best medicine for the Brain.

·      Mental health is not the same emotional health which is about regulating emotions and managing interpersonal relationships. 

·      Community can play a big part – always maintain a sense of purpose and belonging.

·      Create your Centenarian Decathlon - a list of 10 exercises you’d like to still be able to perform when you’re 100 years old (I do 20). 

The message is clear: Start working on it now. After all, how can you expect to do something at 100 if you can’t do it now? Need help, contact me?