21 | The "Anti-Aging" Craze: When the Secret to Youth Isn't Actually A Secret

How to: Fitness

Today we’re talking about the overwhelming amount of anti-aging messaging we receive and what actually contributes to our health and longevity. We’re talking about “anti-aging” products and treatments, the lengths we go to to look younger, and the frequency with which we overlook factors that actually contribute to aging healthfully.

3:55 We’re constantly facing a societal obsession with aging, and we’re talking about this topic with the lens of helping our listeners become more informed consumers.

8:44 We’re faced with pressure surrounding the need to slow down aging from a early on in life, and much of that pressure is placed on women. Part of this messaging demonizes aging or any physical changes to the typical “beauty” standard we’re often faced with.

• NYT article and quote: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/12/magazine/the-ever-changing-business-of-anti-aging.html

16:04 We share how anti-aging marketing and products has impacted us individually and our perception of our aging.

19:30 We talk through some of the more outrageous “solutions” out there for combatting age, including some of the lengths that billionaires go to for “youth restoring” protocols. In this category is also anti-aging clinics, and how this type of medicine is not actually recognized by board certifications. Often times, the treatments offered in this setting are concerning, especially when it comes to off label usage of medications for anti-aging purposes.

25:00 One risky area where age prevention medications are offered is in the prevelance of HRT offered outside of secure medical setting.

27:00 The global anti-aging market accounted for 66 billion USD in 2022, and is only expected to grow exponentially.

28:30 A question for listeners:What do we actually want when we think about preventing aging? What is our actual goal?

30:15 We can shift from thinking about “anti-aging” methods and think, instead, about healthy aging and longevity. How long we live doesn’t matter as much as whether or not we’re living well.

34:19 can promote health and lifespan through our nutrition by avoiding weight cycling, monitoring alcohol intake, and prioritizing balance and micronutrient intake in our food choices.

40:17 There are some supplements that can help optimize our healthful againg. There is preliminary research showing the benefit of cocoa extract on longevity. Protein powder can help prevent sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength. Certain B vitamins have also been found to reduce some cognitive decline.

https://examine.com/categories/healthy-aging-longevity/

43:57 Exercise is truly the closest we get to an “anti aging” miracle. It benefits us in many ways related to our health and makes our bodies more adaptable to the physiological stress of aging itself. Benefits in cognitive changes, heart function, strength, and mobility come from regular exercise. These positive effects happen on a cellular level!

46:00 There is so much we don’t know about efficacy of different treatments and products, but then there are things we DO know!

50:22 Aging is natural, and to age is a privilege. Focusing more on proven self care methods and less about the “anti aging” hype sets us up for better years ahead.

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