The Science of Healthy Aging: Six Keys to a Long, Healthy Life

The Science of Healthy Aging: Six Keys to a Long, Healthy Life

Although growing older comes with a number of major life changes, science can help inform the things we do in the here in and now to forestall the most serious features of the aging self, promoting healthspan and not just lifespan.
Build Muscle
Muscle mass is one the best predictors of health and longevity. Muscle tissue is known to release its own chemicals called myokines, which can have benefits that span cognition, immunity and anti-cancer activity. By performing regular, resistance-based exercise that prioritizes strength, we can delay the loss of bone density and risk of physical injuries.
Vitamin D
Commonly known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is in fact a critical hormone that helps maintain healthy bones, boost our immune system and improve our cardiovascular function. With age, the production of vitamin D in the skin can become less efficient, so if we don’t spend enough time outdoors, our risk of vitamin D deficiency may increase.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
One of the most unsettling aspects of aging is the potential for neurodegenerative disease. These conditions are increasingly prevalent in those with diabetes, suggesting that the brain’s blood flow and energy supply may be compromised. Research indicates that regular physical exercise, a healthy whole foods diet and staying intellectually active could at least slow the rate of decline.
Mindfulness
As we get older, major arteries can become thicker and less flexible, leading to increased blood pressure and undue strain on the heart. A regular mindfulness practice such as yoga or meditation has been shown to stem the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. By freeing us from this “fight-or-flight” state, this habit can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Stay Social
As social animals, maintaining a strong sense of community and close personal relationships into old age are underestimated contributors to longevity. While social isolation in seniors can result in significant physical and mental decline, research suggests that close loved ones offer important emotional support and behavioral modifications that can overcome periods of high stress.
Metabolism
“My metabolism is slowing down!” That’s what we often hear, as the aging body becomes less effective at using energy, placing us at risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. By maintaining our muscle mass and reducing sugar consumption, we can support hormonal health, preserve our metabolism and keep our vitality into those advanced years.
As scientists continue to find ways to extend our lives, paying attention to these keys to healthy aging can help increase the quality of those extra years.
Learn more: https://magazine.scripps.edu/features/2021/summer/the-future-of-aging/
Or visit: https://www.scripps.edu/

although growing older comes with a number of major life changes science can help inform the things we do in the here and now to forestall the most serious features of the aging self promoting health span and not just lifespan mass is one of the best predictors of health and longevity muscle tissue is known to release its own chemicals called myokines which can have benefits that span cognition immunity and anti-cancer activity by performing regular resistance-based exercise that prioritizes strength we can delay the loss of bone density and risk of physical injuries commonly known as the sunshine vitamin vitamin d is in fact a critical hormone that helps maintain healthy bones boost our immune system and improve our cardiovascular function with age the production of vitamin d in the skin can become less efficient so if we don't spend enough time outdoors our risk of vitamin d deficiency may increase one of the most unsettling aspects of aging is the potential for neurodegenerative disease these conditions are increasingly prevalent in those with diabetes suggesting that the brain's blood flow and energy supply may be compromised research indicates that regular physical exercise a healthy whole foods diet and staying intellectually active could at least slow the rate of decline as we get older major arteries can become thicker and less flexible leading to increased blood pressure and undue strain on the heart a regular mindfulness practice such as yoga or meditation has been shown to stem the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline by freeing us from this fight or flight state this habit can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke as social animals maintaining a strong sense of community and close personal relationships into old age are underestimated contributors to longevity while social isolation in seniors can result in significant physical and mental decline research suggests that close loved ones offer important emotional support and behavioral modifications that can overcome periods of high stress my metabolism is slowing down that's what we often hear as the aging body becomes less effective at using energy placing us at risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes by maintaining our muscle mass and reducing sugar consumption we can support hormonal health preserve our metabolism and keep our vitality into those advanced years as scientists continue to find ways to extend our lives paying attention to these keys to healthy aging can help increase the quality of those extra years [Music] you

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@BloomWellLiving 30 March 2025 at 19:06

This video is truly inspiring! Thank you for sharing such helpful tips to stay healthy and youthful. I’m definitely going to try these!
@HealthyAgingWay 30 March 2025 at 19:06

The content you shared is truly profound and meaningful. Every word reflects your thoughtful and careful consideration, making everyone reflect!"
@vanshikamukheja6513 30 March 2025 at 19:06

Telomere Boostup is the best anti-aging supplement I've ever tried. It's helped me feel more confident and youthful than ever before!
@catherinebirch2399 30 March 2025 at 19:06

If the average person is to be believed, ageing always results in pain, Ill health and disability. These people claim that they know what they're talking about because they work in nursing homes. They only have experience of people who haven't taken care of themselves and have gone downhill fast.
@Bill0102 30 March 2025 at 19:06

This is a thoughtfully curated piece. I read a similar book that shook up my worldview. "Adapting with Aging" by James Crescent
@michaelwightman4358 30 March 2025 at 19:06

Eat veggies, Stay active, 6hrs of Sleep in 24 hrs. Simple
@sunnybluesand2730 30 March 2025 at 19:06

Calcium is one thing that stiffens arteries. Vitamin K2 suppossedly gets in coming calcium on the path to bones, instead of to arteries
@buddhaneosiddhananda8499 30 March 2025 at 19:06

Having fun… keeps you young…😆😆
@ChrisHart-jd8wf 30 March 2025 at 19:06

I like being a social animal
@cjhoward409 30 March 2025 at 19:06

Simply stated … excellent