Better Choices for Better Healthspan

In episode 175 of the podcast "Becoming Elli," Jill and Chris speak with Sally Duplantier, a gerontologist, health educator and researcher. Passionate about increasing Healthspan (the years lived free of chronic disease), she returned to school in her 60s, earning an MS in gerontology and a graduate certificate in Qualitative Research. Sally emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and recommends key habits for a better Healthspan. These habits include: regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and social engagement. She also recommends avoiding harmful foods like sugar and processed items. She advocates for breath work, mindful eating, and community involvement, noting that a sense of purpose and cognitive stimulation are crucial for health. Her research highlights the significant impact of lifestyle choices, like the MIND diet for brain health, on longevity and disease prevention.