Well into my middle age, health and longevity have become important priorities for me. First, because I can see that I’m on a slow decline where I once took vitality for granted. Second, because I see in those around me the consequences of not planning for one’s future.
Lifespan — and especially the quality of that lifespan — is determined by the choices we make today. Loss of strength and mobility are certainties at predictable rates. As Peter Attia points out, if you want to be able to lift a 20-pound suitcase into an overhead compartment at age 80, you’ll need to be able to lift 45 pounds at age 50. I plan to be doing more strenuous things than lifting suitcases when I’m 80, so it’s paramount that I build and maintain those capabilities now.
For me there are three pillars of health:
In each of these areas, the modern environment works against us — making it difficult to reach the levels to which we’re adapted without deliberate interventions. That’s why I find it essential to track my vitals, set goals, and make behavioral changes to meet them.
Minimizing stress is also key to good health because stress degrades nearly every system in the body and undermines whatever steps you’re taking to improve your health. I minimize stress with my way of living.
To be clear, this is simply my approach — what works for me. I make no claims that it’s universal or prescriptive. But I also don’t think I’m so unique, and if anything here proves helpful to someone else, I’ll be glad.
Last updated October 24, 2025