By Dr. Karen DeVore
Aging is a privilege, but how we age is largely within our control. While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices and proactive health management significantly impact our vitality, mobility and overall well-being. The good news? You don’t have to accept aches, fatigue and chronic diseases as inevitable. You can age on your own terms by implementing a few key strategies.
1. Annual Check-Ins & Lab Work: Stay Ahead of the Game
Prevention is the cornerstone of longevity. Annual health check-ups allow you to track changes, address concerns and monitor key health markers before minor issues become major problems. Many conditions—such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis—develop silently over time, making regular lab work essential for early detection and intervention.
Too many people avoid these appointments due to frustration with dismissive healthcare providers. If your practitioner isn’t listening to you or supporting your health goals, find a team that will. Healthcare should be a partnership, not a battle.
Key Lab Markers to Monitor:
• Inflammation & Metabolic Health: CRP, fasting insulin, A1C
• Hormonal Balance: Thyroid panel, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA
• Nutrient Status: Vitamin D, B12, ferritin, magnesium
• Cardiovascular Health: Lipid panel, homocysteine, ApoB
2. Listen to Your Body: Symptoms Matter
Your body is always communicating with you. Fatigue, brain fog, unexplained weight changes and joint pain aren’t just random annoyances—they’re signals. Ignoring them doesn’t make them disappear; it only allows problems to worsen over time.
Being proactive about your health doesn’t mean dismissing symptoms in the name of “natural” healing. It means staying in tune with your body, recognizing patterns and addressing imbalances early. You know your body better than any textbook or algorithm—if something feels off, advocate for yourself.
3. Know Your Family’s Aging Patterns
While lifestyle choices have the greatest impact on longevity, understanding your genetic predispositions can help you make informed decisions. Look at how your parents and siblings are aging. Are they dealing with cognitive decline, cardiovascular issues or bone loss?
Genetics don’t determine your fate, but they do provide insight into potential vulnerabilities. By identifying patterns, you can take proactive steps to mitigate risks through targeted lifestyle and medical interventions.
4. The Fundamentals Never Get Old
Some health advice remains timeless because it works. If you want to age gracefully, these fundamentals are non-negotiable:
• Movement is medicine. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Regular exercise supports mobility, cardiovascular health and cognitive function.
• Hydration matters. Dehydration contributes to fatigue, joint pain and poor circulation.
• Sleep is the ultimate reset. Quality sleep is essential for hormone balance, brain function and immune resilience.
• Laughter truly is the best medicine. Joy and social connection improve mental and emotional health while reducing stress and inflammation.
• You are what you eat. A nutrient-dense, whole-food diet fuels longevity and vitality.
5. Muscle Mass: The Fountain of Youth
One of the most powerful predictors of longevity? Muscle mass. Research consistently links muscle maintenance with reduced mortality risk, improved metabolic health and greater resilience against age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Why Muscle Matters:
• Improves metabolism and helps regulate blood sugar
• Reduces fall risk by supporting balance and coordination
• Strengthens bones through mechanical stress, helping prevent osteoporosis
• Supports cognitive health by enhancing blood flow and reducing inflammation
The takeaway? It’s never too late to build muscle. Resistance training—even starting in your 70s or 80s—can lead to significant improvements in strength, mobility and longevity.
Aging on Your Own Terms
Aging gracefully isn’t about avoiding every wrinkle or pretending time isn’t passing. It’s about maintaining independence, vitality and quality of life for as long as possible. It’s about making informed choices, staying proactive with your health and surrounding yourself with a supportive healthcare team.
Longevity isn’t just about adding years to your life—it’s about adding life to your years. Take care of your body now, and it will take care of you in the decades to come.
I’d be honored to support you on your wellness journey. Let’s create a personalized plan that nurtures your unique body, helping you feel vibrant, strong and at ease as you age gracefully. Schedule a consultation with me at the Tortoise Clinic (850.267.5611)—because you deserve to feel your best, every step of the way.
