Healthy aging hack…
In a world obsessed with short term fixes to aging on the outside… we can overlook the importance of developing a few simple steps that will help us build up habits of “prevention” from diseases and illnesses that present themselves as we age.
I learned the concept of Longevity (length of life) lifespan vs Health Span (quality of life) on a podcast with Dr Peter Attia. I love this!
The idea is that life isn’t about aging with a poor quality of life in which cognition, and physical ability are terrible. Health span speaks to the quality of our life - the things we are able to do, how happy and fulfilled we feel and the quality of our relationships. THIS is the goal for me.
I think about my mom, who died so young, just 53 years old. Although she was fit and tried to look after herself the one key component of this triad that suffered was her relationships. She had multiple, close, relationships that were strained and very challenging. So much of this has informed how I look at the people closest to me in life, family and work and in some cases, to make tough decisions to limit exposure or detach from toxic people. Having witnessed first hand the unbelievable amount of stress that puts on a persons well being, has overridden my desire to “please other people” at the risk of my own health.
There are 3 key areas to focus on are in establishing great health span which is about early prevention vs waiting until you are in your 40’s or 50’s and things mount up and multiply.
Cognitive function - this equates to brain health. One of the leading causes of death is neurological conditions like Alzheimers, dementia, Parkinson’s. One of the main things that leads to cognitive decline is vascular (heart) disease. We can do many things to set up early “prevention.” We do have some control over behaviours we can modify. Some healthy things we can do to prevent brain degeneration includes, reducing: smoking, alcohol, sleeping (7-9hrs), reducing head injuries and high blood pressure. Working out and lifting heavy weights or walking with weights (rucking) can decrease muscle loss and help boost brain health.
Physical health - what is your mobility as you age? What is your strength and balance like? How is your physical health and weight? Much of this can be prevented with healthy food choices, focusing on gut health, increasing protein intake at every meal to help build muscle and increase physical exercise - especially weight training and resistance.
Emotional health deterioration - what is the state of your relationships? The “quality of our life is the quality of our relationships.” How much joy and purpose do you have in your life? Are you happy - do you have the capacity to regulate your emotions? Are you surrounded by loving, supportive partners, family, friends and colleagues? Choosing to create healthy boundaries and enrich your current relationships are crucial to securing good emotional health.
Prevention is a great MOTIVATION to begin to implement healthy habits, healthy eating and exercise.
I run a program, that I also live by, which has put me in my best health at 54. This gut reset program includes key supplements that help boost health with synbiotics, Protien, superfood greens and vegan collagen (a major building block of bones, muscles, skin and tendons).
If you are interested in jumping in to the August gut reset click here for info and to join with a special 20% discount.
Grateful to be on this journey with you! I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Thank you for being here.
Never forget one person can make a difference…. that one person is YOU.
With so much love,
Your friend,
Kim xo
