Forget living to 150: What actually helps you age well

Most people are obsessed with the idea of living forever, but that's not a realistic goal right now. Instead, the focus should be on healthspan – the years we spend healthy and independent doing the things we enjoy. While the market is flooded with products promising to extend our lives, many of them don't actually work. Some have shown promising results in mice but not in humans, while others have no proven benefits at all. So what actually helps us age well?

One promising area is increasing our protein intake and engaging in regular strength training. Animal studies and one observational study suggest that getting enough protein may help preserve muscle mass as we age. Strength training can also help improve muscle strength and mass. Fiber is another important nutrient, as it's linked to a lower risk of early death, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.

Eating more fiber-rich foods like beans, lentils, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts can have these benefits.

Ultimately, the key to aging well is building resilience – having strength, brain health, and social connections that help us bounce back from illness, injury, or loss. While some trends may come and go, these tried-and-true strategies can help us maximize our healthspan and live the life we want for as long as possible.