Living a long, healthy, and fulfilling life may be more achievable than you think. Fundamental practices like eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated are supported by research. For example, consistently getting less than seven hours of sleep can heighten the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and early death, while just 15 minutes of daily exercise might add three years to your life. Healthy habits like eating more vegetables and staying active can extend life expectancy by over a decade.
With advancements in technology, maintaining these habits and enhancing your wellness is now easier than ever. Longevity is a hot topic, with experts like David Sinclair in his book Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To suggesting that we’re nearing an era of extended, healthier living. Sinclair views aging as a treatable disease and predicts that “prolonged vitality” is within reach, with some estimates suggesting that half of U.S. babies born in 2007 might live to 104.
The goal isn’t just to live longer, but to ensure those additional years are spent in good health. Adopting smart habits can pave the way for a longer, healthier, and more meaningful life.
Concierge medicine
Also known as boutique medicine, offers a membership-based model providing personalized, high-quality healthcare. Patients pay out of pocket, as these practices typically do not accept insurance, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars a month to over $20,000 annually for specialized care. One major benefit is faster access to preventive care, especially valuable when traditional physicians may be overwhelmed, often managing 2,000 or more patients compared to the few hundred seen by concierge doctors.
For further insights on this topic, check out this video: Concierge Medicine.
*The examples and specific companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute recommendations.
Telehealth
You can also subscribe to virtual healthcare services that connect you with clinicians anytime, anywhere. Telemedicine companies like WorldClinic cater to traveling business executives and busy professionals, offering on-demand care whenever needed.
Health tracking
Personalized health tracking devices and sensor-based wearables are becoming key tools in the fight against aging. A well-known example is the Oura Ring, a wearable device that tracks sleep quality, exercise, activity levels, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and more—all from your finger.
Sleep
Humans might be the only species that actively deprive themselves of sleep—a habit that has serious consequences. Sleeping four hours or less can reduce NK white blood cell immunity by over 70%. To improve sleep duration and quality, consider using a sleep mask that completely blocks out light. The Manta mask is one such option.
Exercise
Exercise is crucial for slowing aging and preventing muscle loss, but joint-friendly options can be limited as we age. Tech innovations like electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) suits and virtual reality (VR) fitness apps offer effective, low-impact alternatives. EMS suits, such as those from Katalyst, use electric pulses to stimulate muscles, building strength without straining joints. Meanwhile, VR headsets like Oculus Quest offer engaging workouts through apps that simulate activities like boxing or sword fighting, all from the comfort of your home.
Breathing
Breathing through your nose offers benefits like lower blood pressure, better allergen filtration, and reduced anxiety compared to mouth breathing. However, many people breathe through their mouths while sleeping. To address this, mouth taping has gained popularity, partly due to books like Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. This practice involves applying skin-safe tape to your mouth to encourage nasal breathing overnight. While some users report improved sleep quality, others see minimal change. It’s essential to consult with a physician before trying mouth taping.
Dental care
Around 70% of Americans brush their teeth incorrectly, potentially increasing the risk of gum disease—a condition affecting nearly half of adults over 30. Gum disease is linked to serious health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and mental health problems. Fortunately, modern tech-y toothbrushes have advanced significantly. For example, options like the Burst toothbrush use tens of thousands of sonic vibrations per minute to provide a thorough clean and help maintain oral health.
Labs and imaging
Early detection is key to effective treatment. Innovations like Grail’s multi-cancer blood test and Prenuvo’s full-body MRI scan can identify a wide range of health issues before symptoms appear, improving the chances of successful intervention.
Personalized health insights are more accessible than ever thanks to advances in genome mapping and the ability to trace ancestral health conditions. By understanding your specific risks—like a family history of heart disease—you can work with your healthcare provider to monitor key metrics. For example, if heart disease runs in your family, you might opt for targeted tests like a high-sensitivity CRP test and a cardiac myeloperoxidase test to assess plaque and your risk of unstable plaque rupture. This approach allows you to focus on the health metrics that matter most to you.
Pushing back
Aging is inevitable, but you can take steps to mitigate its effects. Embracing smart habits and leveraging technology won’t guarantee a century of good health, but they can significantly improve your quality of life and extend your well-being. Why not make the most of these tools and strategies to enhance your health and impact the world positively?
Final Thoughts
By integrating smart habits and leveraging cutting-edge technology, you can not only extend your lifespan but also enhance your overall quality of life, making every moment count and truly living to the fullest.
For further insights on this topic, check out this article: Six Keys to Optimizing Your Health, Longevity and Well-Being
ACKNOWLEDGMENT: This article was published by the VFO Inner Circle, a global financial concierge group working with affluent individuals and families and is distributed with its permission. Copyright 2022 by AES Nation, LLC.
This report is intended to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation to purchase any security or advisory services. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. An investment in any security involves significant risks and any investment may lose value. Refer to all risk disclosures related to each security product carefully before investing. Homer Smith is an investment advisor representative of Konvergent Wealth Partners. Konvergent Wealth Partners and Homer Smith are not affiliated with AES Nation, LLC. AES Nation, LLC is the creator and publisher of the VFO Inner Circle Flash Report. Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, doing business as Konvergent Wealth Partners, a registered investment advisor. Integrated Partners does not provide legal/tax/mortgage advice or services. Please consult your legal/tax advisor regarding your specific situation.