Leverage the Evidence

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Apr 1, 2018 | Aimalicia Staub | @aimaliciastaub

It seems like everyone is on a quest to delay the effects of aging. New medical research is released with rapid frequency and revised protocols for treating medical conditions are emerging. New correlations between health and aging are constantly being uncovered. Leveraging the scientific evidence provides you with  an opportunity to influence how you age.

Expert Insight

"Only about 25% of your longevity is related to genetics. What you do and don’t do has a bigger impact, not only on how long you live, but on how long you live free from serious disease (health span). Those who achieve exceptional longevity, living to age 100+, often delay the onset of any disability until well into their nineties. The empiric evidence from observations of long-lived individuals suggests modifiable factors, such as activity level and having a positive life philosophy, influence both longevity and health span." - Robert J. Pignolo, M.D., Ph.D., Division Chair of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Take Action Now

• Ask questions. Ask your medical provider what new evidence-based options are available for you. New technologies and advanced treatments, combined with diet and exercise, can have a major impact on your quality of life.
• Implement behaviors for prevention. Focus on lifestyle activities which you can control. Being active, eating healthy food, and taking steps to reduce stress can aide in risk reduction or symptom management for existing chronic conditions.
• Participate in activities to impact longevity. Combine activities offering multiple positive impacts. Participate in a writing project where you interview someone else and then write their biography. Interviewing another person creates social connection and a stimulating interaction. Writing their story provides a creative outlet to stimulate your brain.