Polygenic risk motivates behavior change

What if the secret to living well into your 80s and 90s is nothing to do with your DNA? What if the longevity hackers have got it wrong, and it’s actually far more simple than you think to become a ‘super ager’?

We all want to live a long, happy and healthy life. But with the vast majority of US and UK people over 60 having at least one chronic disease, the odds are currently stacked against us. Or are they? In this enlightening episode, you’ll learn why healthspan matters more than lifespan – and why it’s never too late, or too early, to take action.

My guest is Dr Eric Topol, a practising cardiologist, Professor of Molecular Medicine, and one of the top 10 most cited researchers in medicine. Eric has spent his career at the forefront of genomics and artificial intelligence. Yet in his new book Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach To Longevity, he sets out a surprisingly low-tech solution to ageing well. And it’s one that has nothing to do with your parents’ health.

In this episode, Eric talks me through what his Wellderly Project – research on remarkably healthy people in their late 80s – revealed about the health metrics that matter. He explains his ‘lifestyle plus’ approach to health, which includes not just the basics like nutrition, exercise and sleep, but evidence-based influences such as environmental toxins, emotional outlook and social connections. His message is an empowering one: making the right choices today could add seven to 10 healthy years to your life, regardless of your family history.

We tackle some thought-provoking topics, such as the idea that cancer screening isn’t working, and that forever chemicals and microplastics are far more dangerous than we’ve been led to believe. We discuss the personalisation of healthcare – how knowledge of your own data is the most effective way to drive behaviour change. And Eric shares his positive insights on how AI will be able to help us predict – and take control of – our future health.

The ‘big three’ chronic diseases, cancer, heart disease and neurodegeneration, start developing 20 years before we see symptoms. So that’s a big window of time in which you can make a difference to your risk – and a truly empowering message you can start acting on today.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/626

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.