Everyone wants to “die young as late as possible,” as the saying goes, but how do you really do it? The good news is, there are simple ways to boost not just your lifespan (how long you live) but also your healthspan (how many of those years you’re healthy and free of disease). We recently sat down with Dr. David Luu, CEO and founder of Hearty, at The Well, who shared a longevity plan with four parts:
1. TEST
Get a full checkup with medical tests to learn your health baseline. Identifying any potential age-related problems—like cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, cancer, or arthritis—is the first step toward reducing your risk. As Dr. Luu notes, “The latest advancements in technology mean that cutting-edge tests such as genomics, epigenetics, and AI-powered imaging are now available to provide even more personalized and accurate results.”
2. TRAIN
Now that you’ve got your health baseline, it’s time to focus on your lifestyle: getting enough sleep, managing your stress, eating a balanced diet, maintaining strong social connections, and engaging in regular physical activity. These are what Dr. Luu calls “the foundations of a long and healthy life.”
3. TRACK
The best way to keep track of your progress is by using wearables, devices, and journaling. Dr. Luu recommends Apple Watch for activity levels, Oura for sleep patterns, Whoop for stress levels, and Dexcom for glucose levels.
4. TREAT
Of course, the other parts don’t work without the final one: using the right therapies to prevent diseases and complications—as soon as possible. “This includes targeted therapies and holistic approaches that support your overall health,” says Dr. Luu, who says to consult your doctor to determine the right treatment plan for you.
So there you have it: with this plan, maximizing your lifespan—and your healthspan—doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or expensive. You’ll be able to focus on what really matters—living your life.