Purpose Extends Life by Years

Wellness can feel complicated, but most of what matters for long, healthy living is surprisingly simple. In this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I sit down with my longtime friend Dr. Ezekiel “Zeke” Emanuel—oncologist, bioethicist, and author of Eat Your Ice Cream—to explore six core principles that support longevity, from food and movement to social connection and purpose. Zeke shares what we’re getting wrong about wellness, why community matters more than we think, and how small choices can reshape both our health and our healthcare system. Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. We discuss: • Why simple habits outperform extreme biohacks—and how to build them into daily life • How social connection protects your health as powerfully as diet and exercise • What to eat for longevity without tracking, restricting, or following trends • How movement, strength, and flexibility each support long-term health and function • What actually improves sleep when you can’t “try harder” to rest Longevity isn’t about obsession. It’s about balance, community, and simple choices. The basics still work, and they matter more than ever. View Show Notes From This Episode

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(0:00) Introduction to the loneliness epidemic and wellness book critiques

(0:39) Introduction of Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel and his book "Eat Your Ice Cream"

(3:18) Dr. Emanuel's inspiration and contributions to food policy

(5:20) Challenges and critiques in the wellness industry

(7:01) The role of social relationships in health and longevity

(10:11) Simplifying wellness and lessons from longevity hotspots

(13:32) The obsessive focus on wellness and finding balance

(15:32) Dietary impacts on wellness and combating loneliness

(23:53) Strategies for building social connections and community

(30:17) Insights from the Harvard Adult Development Study and other research

(36:24) The role of food in health and the impact of cooking skills

(47:18) The importance of home economics in health education

(51:32) Addressing the health effects of ultra-processed foods

(57:04) The significance of exercise, sleep, and preventive health measures

(1:08:31) Meaning, purpose, and the importance of staying engaged

(1:15:15) Creative rejuvenation and health care system challenges

(1:18:00) Closing remarks and recommendations