Dr. Eric Topol, a leading cardiologist, discovered something surprising about people in their 80s who stay remarkably healthy. In his research on what he calls the "Wellderly," he found that staying healthy isn't mostly about good genes—it's about smart lifestyle choices. In his recent book, Super Agers, Topol reveals practical, science-based strategies for slowing down aging and staying vibrant as we get older. These insights come from his groundbreaking study published in The New York Times on May 6, 2025.
Why it matters
Genes don’t doom you to poor health. The Wellderly study showed that people who aged well exercised more, stayed social, and prioritized sleep. This means you can take steps today to lower your risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s or diabetes.
By the numbers
-
Strength training for 1 hour a week cuts mortality risk by 25%.
-
Deep sleep (aim for ≥1 hour nightly) slashes dementia risk.
-
Spending 30 minutes a week outdoors reduces depression and high blood pressure.
A closer look
-
Sleep isn’t just about hours: Irregular sleep schedules raise death risk. Dr. Topol improved his deep sleep by adhering to a consistent bedtime and monitoring it with wearable devices.
-
Social ties matter: Wellderly adults had active social lives, which studies link to lower disease risk. See post on hearing loss and isolation.
Reality check
-
Skip expensive “biological age” tests: They’re unproven and costly. Future tools might help, but lifestyle changes work now.
-
Ignore influencer hype: Supplements or untested therapies won’t beat basics like exercise, sleep, and stress management.
The takeaway
Aging well isn't about magic solutions or expensive treatments. Instead, prioritize proven strategies: build strength through regular exercise, maintain consistent sleep patterns, nurture your mental and sensory health, and stay socially connected. Real science shows that simple, daily habits matter more than trendy shortcuts.
Healthy hearing lowers the risk of dementia
Learn about the health of your hearing with a free 15-minute hearing screening by an audiologist.
★ Call 708-599-9500 to schedule your free screening.
★ For facts about hearing loss and hearing aid options, grab your copy of The Hearing Loss Guide.
★ Sign up for our newsletter for the latest on Hearing aids, dementia triggered by hearing loss, pediatric speech and hearing, speech-language therapies, Parkinson's Voice therapies, and occupational-hearing conservation. We publish our newsletter eight times a year.
Don't let untreated hearing loss spoil your future enjoyment of life.
Crest Hill, IL - 630-633-5060 | Palos Hills, IL - 708-599-9500
Go deeper: The New York Times: A Longevity Expertʼs 5 Tips for Aging Well →
