Recently I came across an article in a science magazine titled, “The Pills to End Aging,” and was struck by the reality of what this bodes for humanity’s collective future. As someone who has been a lifelong student of biology and has practiced medicine for almost 40 years, I have seen age transform folks in all sorts of different ways.  

For example, some 40-year-olds can have the mobility of a 70-year-old, while some 80-year-olds can be as active and healthy as a 60-year-old. This indicates that a person’s overall lifespan is not as meaningful as their health span. In other words, your biological age should match your chronological age as much as possible. You can also take this a step further and attempt to beat your chronological age with a biological age that's even younger.  

There are many “miracle drugs” and “magic elixirs” on the market that claim to offer anti-aging benefits, but these chemical potions will not deliver the sustainable results that you can achieve from natural and holistic lifestyle changes. A youthful appearance and healthful longevity comes from taking care of your mental, physical, and relational wellness. 

The research that’s been done on Blue Zone is definitive. Folks who live in these regions can reach 100 years or more without compromising their health spans. In other words, they age well until the end. Here are a few guidelines they follow to achieve this feat. 

They prioritize hydration, nutrition, exercise, restful sleep, strong human connections, and a sense of meaning in life. They consume a Mediterranean diet, which is 80–90 percent plant-based and 10–20 percent animal-based. They listen to their own bodies and stop eating when they’re satisfied. They incorporate movement into their daily routines, but they also know when it’s time to decompress, relax, and set their activities aside.   

Folks in the Blue Zones also invest in relationships. They understand the importance of cultivating and maintaining a solid community who will help them thrive. This is what it means to embrace a vibrant, healthy life. This is the transformative power of aging well.  

Dr. Harvey is currently accepting patients at Functional Medicine Florida. Dr. Fred Harvey is the Medical Director of Functional Medicine Florida. He is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Functional Medicine, and Holistic-Integrative Medicine, specializing in chronic illness recovery and prevention, as well as defiant aging practices. For more information, call 941-929-9355 or visit https://functionalmedicineflorida.com/