Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

The Secret to Ageing Well with Dr Dan Levitin #112

May 12, 2020

Dr. Dan Levitin, a renowned neuroscientist and author of 'The Changing Mind', shares intriguing insights on aging well. He reveals that personality traits, especially conscientiousness, are pivotal in determining our healthspan. Dan emphasizes how lifelong learning and simple lifestyle changes can negate the myth of inevitable memory decline. He explores the neuroprotective benefits of music and movement, encouraging a curious and grateful approach to life that enhances cognitive health as we age. It's a captivating conversation on how to thrive at any age!

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INSIGHT

Conscientiousness and Aging

The biggest factor influencing how you age is conscientiousness, a personality trait.
This outweighs other factors in determining health and happiness at any age.

ADVICE

Practical Lifestyle Changes

Make simple, manageable lifestyle changes to improve aging.
Focus on diet, sleep, and exercise without obsessing.

INSIGHT

Healthspan vs. Lifespan

Focus on maximizing healthspan, the healthy period of your life, rather than just lifespan.
Consider the quality of life, not just the length, when making choices about aging.

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CAUTION ADVISED: This podcast contains swearing themes of an adult nature.

Do you believe that we have control over how we age? Is mental decline inevitable? Or, does how we live now determine our later years?

This week’s guest is Dr Daniel Levitin, a neuroscientist, cognitive psychologist and best-selling author. His latest book, The Changing Mind, is an enlightening read for anyone who wants to age well, live well and understand the science behind both.

Dan and I discuss the concept of healthspan versus lifespan – how if you want to live to a ripe old age, you’ll want to be able to enjoy it, too. Amazingly, Dan’s extensive research has led him to conclude that the number one factor that predicts how well we’ll age is not, as you might imagine, genetic – it’s a personality trait. We discuss just what that personality trait is and Dan goes on to reveal three other important traits that govern our behaviours and how we respond to the world – and therefore how healthy and happy we are at age 8 or 108. The good news is, that these traits can be taught and it’s never too late to start learning - you can start cultivating your personality to be neuroprotective at any age.

Dan is passionate that we can and should keep learning throughout life. He explains why it’s a myth that memory automatically deteriorates and outlines simple and easy changes we can all make that will enhance life right now, as well as promote a healthy and fulfilling old age. This is a really enlightening conversation – I hope it helps you on your way to a long, happy and healthy life.

Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/112

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

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