Everyone wants to crack the code to longevity. Living a long, healthy life is not just about luck or good genes. It is about choices. Professor Shitij Kapur, a top medical expert, shares insights that challenge common myths and highlight the real factors that influence lifespan.
People love to think that genetics decide everything. If your grandparents lived to 100, you are set, right? Not exactly. Professor Kapur explains that while genes matter, lifestyle plays a bigger role in determining how long and well you live.
Most people know this, yet they struggle to stick to it. The secret is not just knowledge though. It is action. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a massive impact on lifespan.
Maintain Sound Mental Health
There is a common belief that solving crossword puzzles keeps dementia away. That is a myth. Professor Kapur explains that while brain games are fun, they don’t protect against memory loss. Instead, heart health plays a direct role in reducing dementia risk.
Keeping the brain sharp is not all about lifestyle. Exercise, social engagement, and good sleep lower the chances of cognitive decline. People with untreated depression in their 50s and 60s are at a higher risk.
So, yeah! Mental well-being is essential.
Precision Medicine Can Boost Longevity
Medicine is not what it used to be. In the past, doctors diagnosed diseases and treated symptoms. Now, with precision medicine, treatments are tailored to genetics. Professor Kapur explains that diseases like breast cancer are not one-size-fits-all anymore. They are broken down into different types, and treatment is targeted.
This approach is revolutionizing health care. But it is not available for everything yet. Advances in genetics are improving predictions about health risks. While you can’t change your genes, you can control lifestyle factors. The challenge? People rarely sustain lifestyle changes long enough to see results.
The Harsh Reality of Expensive Treatments
New breakthroughs in medicine sound promising, but they come with hefty costs. The latest treatment for a rare brain disease costs $4.5 million per person. it is so expensive that only insurance companies in the U.S. cover it.
This raises a big question: Can healthcare keep up with medical advancements? Drug companies justify high prices because research costs billions. But if only a few can afford these treatments, the benefits remain out of reach for most. Longevity should be accessible, not just for the wealthy.
Predicting Health Risks Before They Happen
The future of healthcare is all about prediction. Can doctors forecast health risks based on lifestyle and genetics? Absolutely. Professor Kapur explains that as genetic testing improves, doctors can predict certain conditions more accurately than ever before.
Remember, the question is not whether we can predict disease. It is whether people are willing to make long-term changes to prevent it.
Dementia and Early Detection
Early-onset dementia is real. But it is not as widespread as people think. Professor Kapur clarifies that while some get dementia in their 50s and 60s, detection methods are simply getting better. Improved MRIs and tests mean diagnoses happen earlier than before.
Still, certain types of dementia can be prevented. High blood pressure and strokes increase the risk, but heart health can help. The best defense? A strong cardiovascular system. A healthy heart equals a healthy brain.