25/07/2025
Living longer is one thing. Living better is another.
If you want to feel sharper, move better, and stay active into later life, itโs time to build your healthspan toolkit. Here are six strategies supported by emerging science - many rooted in ancient wisdom - and how chiropractic fits into the picture.
โฒ๏ธ Intermittent fasting: This has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, support cellular repair processes like autophagy, and reduce inflammation. Studies have demonstrated that time-restricted feeding can positively impact body weight, blood pressure, and lipid profiles (Patterson et al., 2015).
โ๏ธ Cold exposure: Cold exposure, such as cryotherapy or cold-water immersion, activates brown adipose tissue and improves mitochondrial function. It has been associated with reduced muscle soreness, enhanced immune response, and improvements in mood through endorphin release (Bleakley et al., 2014)
๐ก๏ธ Sauna use: Sauna bathing offers cardiovascular benefits comparable to moderate physical activity. Regular sauna use has been linked to reduced risk of sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality (Laukkanen et al., 2015). It also supports detoxification and heat shock protein activation.
๐ณ Forest bathing: Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), a practice originating in Japan, has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and increase parasympathetic activity. It enhances natural killer cell activity by up to 50%, strengthening immune surveillance (Li, 2010).
๐ฅฌGut health: Microbiome modulation - through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle - can dramatically impact inflammation and mental health. A 2016 study found that probiotic supplementation in Alzheimerโs patients significantly improved cognitive function and metabolic markers (Kobayashi et al., 2016).
๐๏ธโโ๏ธ Strength and mobility: Crucial for healthy aging and preventing frailty. One of the most pressing concerns in the context of aging and longevity is sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenia is a strong predictor of frailty, disability, and mortality. Chronic low-grade inflammation accelerates muscle wasting and undermines physical resilience.
Chiropractic care, with its focus on spinal health, neuro-musculoskeletal function, and whole-person wellness, is uniquely suited to contribute to longevity science. Chiropractors can offer:
โ๏ธ Functional movement assessments and manual therapies that preserve mobility and prevent musculoskeletal degeneration.
โ๏ธ Education and support for anti-inflammatory lifestyle practices.
โ๏ธ Strategies for stress reduction and autonomic balance through nervous system regulation.
โ๏ธ Referrals and collaborations with other professionals in integrative health to ensure comprehensive care.
Chiropractic is not merely reactive care for back pain; it is an essential component of a proactive, preventative, and participatory model of healthcare.
'Chiropractic, Longevity, and the Lifestyle Revolution: Reframing 21st Century Healthcare' by Dr Faye Deane, explores the intersection between longevity science, lifestyle medicine, and chiropractic practice, with emphasis on inflammation, the gut-brain axis, and the evolving role of chiropractors in public health.
To read the article in full, click here: https://ow.ly/LJ7j50W7BZy
