 My fellow Healthspanners that wish to extend their healthspan. With the help of current anti-aging research being conducted by scientists and researchers around the world, exploring anti-aging factors such as diet, stress, physical health, environmental toxins and chemicals, as well as the genetics we are born with. This has recently included such things as nutrients in certain foods to sleep studies, intermediate and prolonged fasting, and how heat shock proteins in our bodies can be activated with saunas and cold therapy to boost our immune system.So, what is Healthspan, and why should we care? Healthspan simply refers to the period of our lives spent in good health, free from disease, and with the ability to do things without the aid of doctors or medicine. Scientists used to refer to a long and eventful life as our “lifespan,” which was determined by metrics such as running ability or how lean a person was. However, in recent years, these metrics have been revised to include muscle and bone strength to name but a few. Some researchers believe that many of us can easily live well past 100 years. Just look at the five “blue zones” (Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Icaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California), where the highest concentration of centenarians live, as proof of our ability to live long and healthy lives.  Luigi Cornaro, a Venetian nobleman in the 1400’s, who lived to the age of 98 years old at a time when the average lifespan was 40 years old, might agree. Cornaro wrote about “removing all causes of illness through regularity and moderation” in his book titled, “How to live 100 years.”  At the age of 35, having lived a life of excess, Cornaro found himself plagued with multiple ailments, including Gout, stomach pains, thirst, and a continuous fever. Doctors gave him just a few months to live. However, after adjusting his diet and reducing his intake of food and wine (more common than water at the time), Cornaro was able to reverse many of his ailments and live to the ripe old age of 98 (some say even closer to 101). Cornaro wrote about being happiest in his 80s and 90s when he was clear-headed, without aches and pains, and never drowsy, and expecting to “pass away quietly and peacefully,” which is what reportedly happened. His story sheds light on the possibility of a long healthspan, as opposed to just a long life. Cornaro rejected the conventional wisdom that old age was a period of misery and decay. Cornaro wrote: “And now some sensual and unreasonable individuals pretend that the existence of a man after he passes the age of 65 cannot be termed a living one, but a dead one. I will plainly demonstrate that they are mistaken, for I have a desire that all men should attain my age, which is the most beautiful period of life.” Stories like Cornaro’s should inpire us all to search for information that can extend life and reduce the chances of sickness. Researchers believe that we are at the beginning of a health revolution, having just mapped out the human genome in the last 20 years and being in the early stages of cellular epigenetic study to help slow, and possibly reverse, aging. Some say 150 years of age could be attainable soon! “The only way to make meaningful gains in health and longevity is to address the root cause of disease, which is aging itself.” — David A. Sinclair PhD. The decisions we make, such as our diet, exercise routine, stress management, and sleep program can go a long way in increasing our energy levels, improving brain health, and reducing the risk of many diseases, to name just a few benefits. Research suggests that our DNA or genetic identity accounts for only 20-30% of longevity and aging, meaning that 70-80% of our health could be managed by our own actions. For instance, starting and sticking to a workout plan and incorporating daily movement into our schedule can stimulate the production and release of myokines by muscle fibers, which can reduce low-grade inflammation associated with aging as well as regulate and protect brain function.  Assuming physical activity can lower the risk of disease and aging, Luigi Cornaro might have lived even longer if he had incorporated a comprehensive exercise regimen that included strength training, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and some form of cardio. Exercising has so many more physiological benefits beyond just Myokines. Exercise produces hormones (Dopamine, Serotonin) that get released and help with mood and stress. As we get older physical fitness programs become more important for our Healthspan. So, let’s agree to make a personal commitment to ourselves and push forward when the body or brain says “I don’t want to go to the gym today” as it can be the one of the most important keys to living our best Healthspan. Healthspan Coach- |
