Beyond Birthdays

Ever met a 50-year-old with the boundless energy of a 35-year-old, while another person the same age feels and functions like they’re 65? This is the difference between your chronological age - the number of candles on your cake - and your biological age, a truer reflection of your body's health and vitality.

This distinction is more important than ever. While life expectancy has more than doubled since 1900, living longer doesn't always mean living better. With May being Older Americans Month, it's the perfect time to focus on not just adding years to your life, but life to your years. The good news is, you have significant control over your biological clock.

What Can You Do?

While there are tests that can measure your biological clock, some as simple as a assessing your balance, others involving blood or saliva samples, you can start by asking yourself a few key questions:

• How much alcohol do you consume? Research shows that alcohol can age the brain faster.
• Are you social and flexible? Strong social connections and a positive outlook can contribute to healthier aging.
• What does your typical daily diet consist of? A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can promote healthy aging, while processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can accelerate it.

Your Lifestyle, Your Longevity

The choices you make every day have a profound impact on how you age. "Lifestyle Medicine is essential in geriatrics because it addresses the root causes of many chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes," explains Dr. Kamal Wagle, MD, a geriatrician and lifestyle medicine specialist at HUMC. He leads the Lifestyle Medicine program at the Center for Healthy Senior Living, which focuses on key pillars of health.

Here's some practical advice from the experts at HUMC:

• Nourish Your Body: A healthy diet is fundamental. Dr. Wagle promotes a dietary lifestyle rich in whole foods and plants.
• Stay Active: Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of healthy aging.
• Prioritize Sleep: Restorative sleep is crucial for cellular repair and overall health.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can accelerate aging. Finding healthy ways to cope is vital.
• Cultivate Connections: Positive social relationships are linked to a longer, healthier life.
• Avoid Risky Substances: This includes quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.

At Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), longevity experts are helping people increase "healthspans" - the years you live in good health, free from age-related diseases.

"Our goal is to help older adults age successfully with a focus on longevity, maximizing independence and quality of life," says Dr. Manisha Parulekar, MD, Division Chief of Geriatrics at HUMC and Co-Director of the Center for Memory Loss & Brain Health. She emphasizes a holistic, evidence-based approach to care that includes screening, prevention, and lifestyle changes.

HUMC: Your Partner in Healthy Aging

Hackensack University Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of services to help you on your journey to better aging. Whether you're looking to be proactive about your health or are facing age-related challenges, HUMC has a program for you.

The Center for Healthy Senior Living provides a variety of specialized programs, including the Lifestyle and Frailty Clinic. The Lifestyle program, led by Dr. Wagle, empowers older adults to improve their physical, social, and cognitive health. The Frailty program offers comprehensive screening and treatment to promote independence and successful aging.

For those concerned about cognitive health, the Center for Memory Loss & Brain Health, co-directed by Dr. Parulekar, is a one-stop regional hub for dementia care, focusing on early diagnosis and prevention. "Early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans are essential for managing dementia and other memory disorders," says Dr. Parulekar.

The bottom line is that while you can’t turn back your chronological clock, you have the power to influence your biological age. By making conscious, healthy choices and taking advantage of the expert guidance and services available at Hackensack University Medical Center, you can write a vibrant and healthy story for your future, no matter your age.