“If our time mostly comes down to opportunities for moments, and we view moments as the measures of one's life, then a purposeful investment in personal longevity helps create the time and space for more moments.”
Scott Fulton is a leader and lecturer in the aging space. In this episode, we discuss why one’s lifespan, or quantity of living years, differs from one’s healthspan, or quality of life. As Scott describes, we have immense agency over maintaining our independence and ability as we age.
“We now think that for longevity, genetics factors in at about 15%. The rest of it is lifestyle.”
To begin taking actionable steps to improve longevity, Scott recommends examining your “end game.” That is, why are you seeking to live longer? What moments are you wanting to experience? How do you envision the final days, weeks, months, and years of your life? The answers to those questions may help clarify your short-term health goals.
“That's the beautiful thing of aging. So long as you continue to learn, you can continue to raise your game.”
Listen to the full episode to learn how you can address aging and longevity with your healthcare provider, why to strive for balance rather than perfection, and why pickleball is the ultimate sport for healthspan.
Here are the details of our conversation:
[00:01:04] Scott’s background and perspective on aging
[00:06:59] Longevity vs. lifespan vs. healthspan
[00:10:48] Valuing moments over time
[00:12:43] Increasing our “moments” through five foundations of health
[00:16:57] Lifestyle medicine and our genetics
[00:20:42] Maintaining the five foundations
[00:26:22] Balance over perfection
[00:27:41] Approaching aging conversations in healthcare
[00:30:57] What is your endgame?
