Health Regimen: The physician shares his daily practices for maintaining longevity and boosting long-term health
In the realm of health and wellness, Dr. Kurt Hong, a renowned physician specialising in obesity, nutrition researcher, and professor of medicine and aging, is a shining example of the benefits of a balanced lifestyle. His biological age, as measured by the PhenoAge algorithm, is eleven years younger than his actual age, a testament to his dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Hong's approach to health encompasses both physical and mental well-being. He incorporates cardiovascular exercise into his routine, enjoying activities such as running, hiking, and swimming during the summer months. This cardiovascular exercise contributes to cardiovascular fitness and health, a crucial aspect of overall wellness.
In addition to his cardiovascular exercises, Dr. Hong also engages in resistance training. He trains on weight machines for 45 minutes a few times a week, a practice that helps build and maintain muscle and bone density.
Mental stimulation is another crucial component of Dr. Hong's lifestyle. He spends one or two hours each day doing something that challenges his brain, ensuring his cognitive reserves remain robust. Mental stimulation can't prevent brain aging, but there's evidence that it may help increase resistance to Alzheimer's symptoms like forgetfulness.
Dr. Hong's work often provides enough mental stimulation, but on weekends, he might play a game of chess or checkers with his children or read. Screen time does not count for mental stimulation in his perspective.
The benefits of Dr. Hong's lifestyle extend beyond just his personal health. Studies have shown that people with larger cognitive reserves, built up through cognitive activity, are less likely to develop Alzheimer's later in life and have fewer symptoms. Similarly, a large 2023 study published in the British Journal of Medicine Sports found that those who moved an average of 2.5 hours per week had a lower risk of early death, heart disease, and cancer than their sedentary peers.
Dr. Hong also acknowledges the importance of diet in maintaining good health. He follows a Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, which is widely regarded as the healthiest diet for longevity. He also takes a vitamin D supplement daily to maintain his bone health as he ages. Many biohackers and longevity researchers take vitamin D because it can have a positive impact on bones, the immune system, and cancer risk. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is crucial for bone density.
Dr. Hong's lifestyle is a testament to the fact that age is just a number. He acts and feels younger than his actual age, leading a fulfilling life with no chronic diseases. Age, in his view, should not limit one's ability to live a healthy and active life.
In conclusion, Dr. Kurt Hong's life serves as a powerful example of the benefits of a balanced lifestyle. His dedication to physical exercise, mental stimulation, and a healthy diet has not only improved his own health but also helped him defy the conventional notion of aging.
