Dec 26, 2022
Welcome back to this special end of
year, Boxing Day episode of Growing Older Living
Younger. Aging is
inevitable. Aging in poor health is not. The theme of today’s
episode is changing aging. Although we inherit our intrinsic
genetic DNA blueprint from our parents, over our lifetime,
extrinsic factors modify how our genes are expressed - the
science of
switching genes on and off, is known as epigenetics. Although we
start life with the genetic blueprint from our parents, over time
through myriads of extrinsic forces combined with the lifestyle
choices we make and habits we practice, we are the contractor who
shapes our intrinsic blueprint to construct the person we
become.
The
overarching goal of this podcast, my book, and
the Growing Older Living Younger program is to show you how small
changes in lifestyle and habits can have a big impact on your
health and vitality as you age. As I relate in
my book, during the process of recovery and rehabilitation from
spinal surgery, I realized that I needed to reevaluate the way I
was living, to change the downward trajectory of my aging so that I
would extend my health span - the length of lifespan that I would
remain in optimal health. My goal became to minimize the so called
aging-associated disorders, to stay mentally and physically active,
vibrant and joyful, metaphorically dancing till the end of
life.
Over time and deep diving into
health and aging research, I evolved my unique personal Roadmap
for Growing Older Living Younger. Within the 7 Fundamental Pillars
I designed specific strategies designed to promote my health,
minimize aging effects and counteract
ageism.
Growing
Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and The Art
of Retiring Comfortably, was published a month before my 76th
birthday, the same time that I launched this Growing Older Living
Younger podcast, to bring you the stories and the wisdom of experts
in the 7 fundamental areas of aging well.
In reviewing the lineup of interviews, I
looked at whether these diverse conversations led me to make
changes in the design and details of my Road Map.
2022 kicked off with the first of 12 episodes that focused on
nutrition, what, when and how we eat. We discussed how our
understanding of Vitamin D requirements has changed and the key
roles Vitamin D plays in our health. Subsequent podcasts discussed
time restricted eating or intermittent fasting, dieting versus
intuitive eating, tissues around plant-based diet and toxins in
so-called superfoods and gluten in our
foods. There were episodes about various
aspects of mindset, the way in which we think about aspects of our
lives from personal and communal relationships, how leaving a
legacy, approaching retirement, and persisting till success
happens. Several episodes looked at various aspects of aging such
as technology to assist or monitor aging, ageism and how we respond
to it, and creating appropriate living and social
environments.
With respect
to aging and the
body, episodes focused on eye disease specifically glaucoma,
prostate health, skin health, hair loss and approaches to
self healing. We discussed maintaining cognitive skills and
delaying dementia through brain training and dance, and adequate
sleep
As
I reflect on these conversations, most of the recommendations and
takeaway messages aligned well with the details of my personal Road
Map which I outline in this podcast. As an ongoing challenge and to expand my network and
community I have
my entrepreneurial wellness and anti-aging business, my weekly
podcast and have started the Growing Older Living Younger
Community.When
I looked back at my family health history I wish I had paid more
attention to prevention in my earlier years.
It makes me think that a second version of my upcoming program,
Reset Your Aging Blueprint, which was planned for the 50 + age
group, should be offered for the 30 to 50 year old cohort since we
know for example, that the ground work for later development of
osteoporosis is laid down in the peri-menopausal period. By
changing our nutritional lifestyle early we could avoid the middle
aged spread and later obesity and other related
disorders.
Through my book, this podcast, my
guest appearances on other shows, and the Growing Older Living
Younger Private Community, I hope to get the message out that our
genes need not define our destiny. While there may be aspects of
our health that we cannot change, there are many things that we can
influence by the choices we make and the habits we can put into
practice. I have found ways that work for me to help me grow older
gracefully and joyfully. I would love to help you find your
personal roadmaps to living younger longer.
To discover how to Reset Your Aging Blueprint and create your
own roadmap to living younger as you grow older, you can schedule a
free Discovery Call with me or email me at askdrgill@gmail.com.
Order your copy of Growing Older Living Younger:
The Science of Aging Gracefully and The Art of Retiring Comfortably
here and join our
private Growing Older Living Younger Community, to meet
people, who like you, are discovering and sharing ways to age in
great health.
If you enjoyed this and
other episodes, tell your friends and suggest they subscribe. Let’s
get the message out through our weekly conversations on Growing
Older Living Younger.