How to Live to be 100: Healthspan vs Lifespan

Ever find yourself pondering the secret to a life brimming with zest, even as the years climb? Unlock the mysteries to a robust health span, where every added day is a testament to vitality. 

On the 2% Solution Podcast, Dai Manuel will guide you on a global trek to the renowned Blue Zones, revealing the lifestyle choices that grant their inhabitants not only impressive longevity but also joy and vigor in abundance. 

We take cues from Okinawa to Sardinia, connecting the dots between their natural movement, plant-rich diets, and the profound impacts these have on thriving beyond the average expectancy.

This journey is enriched by insights from Bronnie Ware's 'The Top Five Regrets of the Dying' and Dr. David Sinclair's pioneering research on aging. 

Together, we explore how to weave the fabric of lasting connections, discover a purpose that catapults you out of bed, and activate the genetic symphony that sings the tune of longevity. 

Whether you're aiming to transform your lifestyle or fine-tune your days for maximum joy, this episode is your compass to a life where laughter, love, and boundless energy are yours to claim—let's chart a course toward a future where every year is lived to its absolute fullest.

Transcript

Dai Manuel: 0:01

Hello everyone, welcome back to the 2% Solution Podcast. I'm your Dai Manuel, and today we're diving into a topic that's as intriguing as it is vital the quest for longevity. But wait, we're not just talking about living a long life. We're exploring how to make those years vibrant, healthy and full of vitality. So grab your favorite drink, get comfortable and let's unravel the secrets to extending not just our lifespan but our health span. And yet there's a huge difference, which I'll get into in this episode.

Dai Manuel: 0:36

First things first, let's define our terms. Lifespan is pretty straightforward it's how long you live, but health span now that's the golden ticket. It's about how long we live healthily, free from the diseases and disabilities often associated with aging. Think of it as the difference between just surviving and truly thriving. Now, let's be honest. Nobody wants to be the oldest yet grumpiest person in the room right. To get a grip on this, let's take a trip around the world to the Blue Zones. These are areas where people not only have the longest lifespans, but also some of the healthiest and happiest years. We're talking places like Okinawa, japan, sardinia, italy, nikoia, costa Rica. What's their secret? Is it a magical elixir? Not exactly, it turns out. Their secrets are surprisingly simple yet profoundly impactful Regular physical activity and no, they're not all gym junkies, but they live actively. Natural movement, like gardening, walking and doing household chores, without modern conveniences, plays a huge role.

Dai Manuel: 1:44

Next up, diet. I'm talking about diet the way that media portrays it as losing weight. I'm talking about just the way that we nourish ourselves. The Blue Zone folks tend to eat a plant-heavy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts, and guess what? They don't overeat. They follow the 80% rule, eating until they're just 80% full. It's like having a natural portion control built into their culture. So maybe grandma was right about eating those veggies, huh. But it's not just about what they eat or how they move.

Dai Manuel: 2:19

People, connections and purpose play a massive role. This reminds me of Brony Ware's book the Top Five Regrets of the Dying. You know it's fascinating. None of the regrets are like. I wish I had spent more time on Facebook. It's about deeper connections, living true to oneself and not getting lost in the hustle and bustle of what society expects.

Dai Manuel: 2:39

This brings me to the groundbreaking work of Dr David St Clair from Harvard. His research on aging is mind-blowing. He talks about how aging is a disease that can be treated. I mean whoa right, I mean. According to him, small lifestyle changes can activate our longevity genes. And yeah, we all have them.

Dai Manuel: 3:00

So what can we do today? Starts, aim for regular natural movement. Eat whole foods, mostly plants, and practice mindfulness in eating. Cultivate strong social bonds and find your purpose, for a reason to jump out of bed each morning and maybe, just as maybe, cut down on that Netflix binging and that was just a thought. And as we wrap up, remember longevity isn't just about adding years to your life, it's about adding life to your years. It's the quality of those years that matters most. Let's aim for a health span that's as long as our lifespan, filled with laughter, love and a whole lot of living. Thanks for tuning in to the 2% Solution Podcast. I'm Diamond, reminding you to live well, live long and, of course, live happy. Don't forget to hit subscribe for more life-changing episodes and until next time, keep pushing that 2% improvement, one small step at a time.