"But what if modern medicine has the timeline all wrong? What if we're testing some middle-aged people unnecessarily for diseases they'll most likely never get, but blindly ignoring 20-somethings who might be prone to colon cancer? Is there a way that, even as we age, we can stay healthy in a way that's both meaningful and not reliant on taking 12 horse-sized pills every morning?"
"During WIRED's Big Interview event in San Francisco on Thursday, Topol told features editor Sandra Upson that while he was working on Super Agers he learned that there's a difference between lifespan and healthspan, and that neither has much to do with genetics. Someone who's "wellderly," or over 65 and generally healthy, has pretty much the same genetic makeup as someone who's elderly and facing major health challenges, like heart disease, cancer, or a neurodegenerative disorder."
"Instead, Topol said, there appears to be a correlation between having a healthy immune system and aging healthily. Lifestyle can influence how healthy you are, too, with Topol advocating for eating a diet low in ultra-processed foods, focusing on sleep quality over sleep quantity, and getting out in nature. He also recommended getting exercise, focusing both on aerobic work and resi"
New medical innovations in AI-assisted medicine, bioengineering, and anti-inflammatory awareness offer potential to transform aging care. Lifespan and healthspan are distinct concepts, and genetics appear to play a limited role in determining healthy aging. Immune system health correlates strongly with aging outcomes. Preventive-screening timelines may be misaligned, potentially overtesting some middle-aged people while overlooking younger adults at risk for diseases like colon cancer. Practical lifestyle measures include reducing ultra-processed foods, prioritizing sleep quality over quantity, spending time in nature, and combining aerobic and resistance exercise to support long-term health.
Read at WIRED
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