Additional Coverage:
- A longevity doctor says he reversed his biological age by 11 years. Here are the 3 things he does every day to stay healthy for longer. (businessinsider.com)
Doctor Knocks Years Off His Biological Age With Healthy Habits
Dr. Kurt Hong, 52, isn’t just talking the talk when it comes to healthy living – he’s walking the walk, and apparently, walking right past Father Time.
This obesity doctor, nutrition researcher, and professor of medicine and aging has reportedly shaved 11 years off his biological age through lifestyle changes. Tests taken roughly 18 months ago, using the PhenoAge algorithm (which measures biomarkers like inflammation and metabolic health), pegged his biological age at a youthful 41.
Hong emphasizes the connection between diet, weight, and age-related diseases. “The key is really to be proactive,” he advises. His proactive approach includes a three-pronged strategy:
1. Movement is Key: Hong champions a balanced exercise routine combining cardio and resistance training.
He enjoys outdoor activities like running, hiking, and swimming, while also hitting the gym a few times a week for 45-minute strength training sessions. His advice to patients?
Find an activity you enjoy and aim for twice a week, emphasizing that something is always better than nothing. This philosophy aligns with a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which showed even modest amounts of exercise can significantly reduce the risk of early death, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
2. Vitamin D Power: While skeptical of excessive supplement use, Hong does take a daily dose of vitamin D.
Tests revealed low levels, and he recognizes the importance of vitamin D for bone health, especially as we age. Vitamin D aids calcium absorption, crucial for maintaining bone density, which naturally declines around age 35.
3. Brain Boost: Hong dedicates at least an hour or two daily to challenging his mind, whether through work, playing games with his children, or reading.
He stresses the importance of keeping the brain active, comparing it to a muscle that needs regular use. While mental stimulation can’t stop aging, studies suggest it can bolster cognitive reserve, potentially delaying and lessening the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Age is really a number,” Hong reminds us. He believes that regardless of chronological age, we have the power to influence how our bodies feel and function.
Dr. Hong’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how a proactive and balanced approach to health can lead to a more vibrant and youthful life, no matter what your driver’s license says.