Embracing Longevity
Can We Age Well and Thrive?
Recently, a friend recommended I dive into the fascinating world of longevity and aging well by reading "Outlive" by Peter Attia. Intrigued by the promises of science-backed insights into extending a healthy lifespan, I decided to explore this topic further and share my findings with you. In this post, I delve into the science of longevity, exploring key principles and actionable strategies inspired by the pioneering work of this author, and I match its relationship with the Wheel of Life, a tool I use in coaching to assess The 7 Pillars of Health & Well-Being (emotional, physical, social, financial, intellectual, spiritual, and environmental). It helps me identify which pillars you feel satisfied with and which ones might need more attention. Once we complete this evaluation, we define actionable goals for your overall well-being.
If you are interested in knowing more about my coaching approach, take a look at my plan options. Together, we can explore strategies to support your wellness journey, ensuring a holistic approach to your overall well-being. I hope you enjoy this read!
Live Longer or Live Healthier?
Life span refers to the total number of years a person lives, encompassing birth to death and serving as a measure of longevity in population studies. On the other hand, health span focuses on the quality of those years, representing the duration of time spent in good health, free from chronic illnesses or significant impairments.
Health span emphasizes overall well-being, vitality, and functional capacity throughout the aging process, aiming to maximize the number of years lived in optimal health and quality of life. This is what we all want, correct? This is why the decisions we make now matter!
Often, we don't consider our future health in 10 or 20 years; even worst, we don’t realize that what we do right now will impact those 10, 20 years ahead. So, have you wondered whether you'll maintain the ability to pursue and enjoy your passions in the years to come?
Elevating Health Span
Dr. Peter Attia's insights in his book Outlive remind us that it's not just about living longer; it's about living better. Our health span – those years brimming with energy, vitality, and joy – can be at reach with the right lifestyle habits and mindset.
Empowering Strategies for Health Span
Move with Purpose: In his book D,r. Attia mentions that the most important and validated area from research in regards to extended health span is fitness. So, go ahead and find joy in any movement! You may choose to go full on workouts with heavy lifts and incorporate cardio routines. However, the takeaway message is that movement is key. Enjoy fun workouts, family walks, yoga sessions, or dance parties with the kids. Physical activity boosts mood, energy levels, and overall vitality.
Yes, eat healthy: Focus on nutrient-dense foods that make you feel good right then and after. Prioritize self-care with simple, wholesome meals that fuel your energy and well-being.
Embrace Restful Sleep: Some people think they don’t need that much sleep, but it turns out research is all over the place on this one, not only to loose weight but also to be neurologically and physically healthy in the future. Quality sleep is your superpower. This is why sleep hygiene is one of the top priorities I include when working with my clients. When you pay attention to this superpower, you can wake up refreshed and ready to conquer your day!
Manage Stress Mindfully: Dr. Attia reminds us that managing stress is pivotal for long-term well-being. Mindfulness is one of my top priorities because of its impact on both mind and body. As a health coach, my job is to work with you to include a customized plan to manage stress and improve your well-being.
Stay Connected: Nurturing your social connections, leaning on friends or family for support, laughter, and shared experiences, plays such an important part of well-being. This is one of the pillars I go over when working with my clients. During the pandemic, many of us, myself included, experienced a decline in our social skills. For me, nurturing these skills has become crucial. It used to feel effortless, and I know from other friends that I'm not alone in this experience. Having a strong support network is vital during life's challenges, which is why nurturing it is so important.
Aligning the Wheel of Life with Longevity Wisdom
The Wheel of Life can significantly impact your health span by promoting a holistic approach to well-being and addressing key areas that contribute to longevity and overall life quality. In my practice, I normally work with my clients with the following in mind:
Identifying Areas of Focus: The Wheel of Life helps you assess the 7 pillars of your health. By identifying areas that may need attention or improvement, you can proactively address factors that impact your overall health and longevity.
Creating Balance: Achieving balance across all areas represented in the Wheel of Life can directly contribute to a longer and healthier life span. For example, maintaining good physical and mental health (Yourself) along with nurturing positive and healthy relationships (Family, Friends, Coworkers), and having a fulfilling career or purpose in life (Goals) leads to increased life satisfaction, but also significantly improves your well-being.
Setting Goals and Priorities: The Wheel of Life encourages goal-setting and prioritization based on your values and aspirations. Setting specific goals related to health, relationships, personal growth, and other areas can help you make lifestyle changes that support a longer and healthier life.
Monitoring Progress: Regularly reviewing your Wheel of Life allows you to track progress and make adjustments as needed. This ongoing self-assessment helps you stay accountable and motivated to maintain healthy habits and behaviors that contribute to a longer life span.
Enhancing Self-Awareness: Using the Wheel of Life promotes self-awareness by highlighting areas where you may be thriving and areas that may require more attention. This awareness enables you to make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards improving your overall well-being and longevity. Without this, how will you know where to start? That’s why this is essential during our coaching sessions.
I think of this tool as a valuable resource for holistic self-assessment, goal-setting, and ongoing progress monitoring, all of which are essential elements in enhancing your health span. If you are interested in knowing more about my coaching approach, take a look at my plan options. Together, we can explore strategies to support your wellness journey, ensuring a holistic approach to your overall well-being.
