What is Longevity?
Longevity refers to the ability to live a longer and higher quality life. One where you maintain physical function, cognitive health, and independence for as many years as possible. It can be broken down into two components:
- Lifespan: The total number of years a person lives.
- Healthspan: The number of years they remain healthy, functional, and independent.
Dr. Peter Attia, a longevity expert, emphasizes that increasing lifespan without extending health span leads to prolonged years of poor quality of life, often characterized by frailty, disease, and dependency.
The focus should be on adding years of vitality, not just survival. Too often, modern medicine extends life through treatments that manage chronic diseases, but these interventions do little to preserve strength, mobility, and function.
How Lifestyle Choices Impact Aging and Prevent Decline
Aging is inevitable, but how we age is largely within our control. While genetics play a role, research increasingly shows that lifestyle factors are far more influential in determining how long we live and how well we function in later years.
The Consequences of Aging-Related Decline Without Intervention
Without proactive intervention, age-related physical decline leads to:
- Muscle and bone loss: Increased risk of injury and hospitalization.
- Loss of mobility: Reduced independence and higher fall risk.
- Metabolic dysfunction: Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammation, and longer recovery times from injury.
- Cognitive decline: Higher risk of dementia.
How to Take a Proactive Approach to Longevity
A reactive approach to aging—waiting until mobility declines or chronic diseases develop—is the norm in traditional healthcare. However, preventing physical decline before it starts is far more effective than treating its symptoms. Physical therapy is crucial in optimizing function and improving key longevity and health span markers.
What Are Predictors of Longevity?
Genetics, age, and ethnicity influence lifespan, but they are beyond our control. However, some of the most impactful predictors of longevity can be improved through physical therapy and structured training. Research shows that specific physical fitness markers are stronger predictors of lifespan than traditional health risk factors.
The top three modifiable predictors of longevity are
- VO₂ Max (Cardiorespiratory Function)
- Grip Strength
- Leg Strength
Together these variables define fitness, and poor fitness scores predict early death better than variables such as smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Let that sink in. Your fitness level is a stronger predictor of lifespan than these well-known health risks.
You can significantly reduce your risk of early death by improving cardiorespiratory fitness and lower and upper body strength. These topics, VO₂ Max, grip strength, and leg strength, will be covered in greater detail in upcoming blogs.
How Physical Therapy Can Prevent Physical Decline
Physical therapy is often associated with injury rehab but is also a powerful tool for preventing physical decline. PT interventions can improve:
- VO₂ Max: PT can help increase cardiovascular efficiency and endurance by implementing aerobic and anaerobic conditioning.
- Leg and grip strength: PT can address muscle weakness by prescribing specific strength training regimens.
- Relevant impairments: If pain, mobility, balance, or weakness prevents you from pursuing cardiovascular and strength training, PT can help find and address the root cause.
Key Factors of Longevity
- Longevity is about quality, not just quantity. Living longer without maintaining function is not the end goal.
- Modifiable factors matter more than genetics. VO₂ Max, grip strength, and leg strength are key predictors of long-term health.
- Physical therapy is proactive, not just reactive. It plays a vital role in preserving strength, mobility, and cardiovascular health.
Aging is inevitable, but how we age is largely up to us. In the next three blogs, we’ll examine how VO₂ Max, leg strength, and grip strength directly impact longevity and what you can do to improve them.
If you’re looking to get a jump on your longevity, schedule an appointment with a qualified clinician near you today.
Physical Therapy Near Me
Given the demands of daily activities and the natural aging process, prioritizing long-term health is essential for maintaining a high quality life. Whether you’re aiming to improve mobility, prevent injury, or enhance overall well-being, seeking guidance from a qualified physical therapist can be key to preserving your body’s longevity. Regular sessions with a physical therapist can help you stay active, reduce the risk of future issues, and support your overall health goals. Take the first step towards a longer, healthier life by finding a physical therapy location near you. Early attention to your body’s needs can lead to sustained strength, flexibility, and vitality, allowing you to enjoy the things you love for years to come.