TED Health The secrets to aging well with Zeke Emanuel
Apr 14, 2026
Zeke Emanuel, oncologist, bioethicist, and bestselling author, shares his practical take on aging well. He stresses usefulness, function over lifespan, and why social connections are vital. He advises skipping fads, finding pleasure in sustainable habits like "eat your ice cream," and explains why it is never too late to start healthier routines.
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Sick Care Not Healthcare
- The U.S. healthcare system prioritizes sick care over wellness because payment focuses on treatment, not prevention.
- Doctors rarely ask about social ties even though socialization is a major determinant of long-term health outcomes.
Father's Choice For Comfort Over Treatment
- Emanuel recounts his 92-year-old father's choice to refuse treatment for a large brain tumor and die peacefully at home.
- The story illustrates patients sometimes prioritize quality time and comfort over aggressive therapy.
Avoid Obvious High-Risk Choices
- Avoid high-risk, low-reward behaviors like smoking or extreme adventures that dramatically raise mortality risk.
- Emanuel gives concrete examples: don't smoke or vape and don't climb Mount Everest where risk of dying can be 1 in 100 overall and 1 in 25 over age 59.
