Playing the Long Game: Embracing Aging with Dr. Vonda Wright
Jan 31, 2024
57:02
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Orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert, Dr. Vonda Wright, joins WHOOP VP of Performance Science to discuss aging, investing in longevity, exercising for longevity, impact of age and sex, muscle tissue health, nutrition's impact, tactics to changing behaviors, and life as a surgeon and team doctor.
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Quick takeaways
Creating a vision for one's health involves setting specific and actionable goals in exercise and diet to improve longevity.
Surgeons must continuously learn and stay physically prepared to achieve a state of mental and physical readiness during surgery.
Deep dives
The importance of creating a vision and taking action
Creating a vision for one's health is crucial in order to have a clear direction and purpose. It involves understanding who you are, what you value, and how you want to feel. By setting specific and actionable goals, individuals can take meaningful steps towards improving their health and longevity. This includes making changes in both exercise and diet, with a focus on strength training and consuming an adequate amount of protein. Additionally, it is important to examine attitudes and beliefs that may hinder progress and replace them with more empowering ones. By regularly assessing and adjusting one's actions, individuals can track their progress and reward themselves along the way.
Preparing mentally and physically for surgery
Preparation for surgery involves a combination of mental and physical readiness. Surgeons must continuously learn and stay updated in their field to provide the best care. Mentally, they strive to achieve a flow state during surgery, where they are fully present and focused. Physically, surgeons must maintain their strength and endurance to meet the demands of their profession. This may include engaging in strength training and powerlifting exercises. By being well-prepared and in a flow state, surgeons can perform their best and deliver optimal outcomes.
The obsession with preventing frailty in midlife and beyond
Dr. Vonda Wright is passionate about preventing frailty, particularly in midlife women. She believes that frailty is not an inevitable part of aging and strives to ensure that individuals can live with vitality and functionality. By addressing the interplay between muscle loss (sarcopenia) and bone loss (osteopenia), she aims to prevent falls, fractures, and the loss of independence. Dr. Wright emphasizes the importance of starting early and being conscious of maintaining muscle and bone health as early as the age of 40. By doing so, individuals can avoid the negative consequences associated with frailty and enjoy healthier aging.
The power of ritual and the interplay between mental and physical preparation
Dr. Vonda Wright highlights the significance of ritual in achieving a state of flow in professional endeavors such as surgery. Rituals help create the conditions necessary for entering the zone where time seems to slow down and focus is heightened. Mental and physical preparation go hand in hand in achieving this state. Surgeons must continuously learn and stay updated while also taking care of their physical strength and endurance. By engaging in rituals and maintaining a state of mental and physical readiness, professionals can optimize their performance and deliver exceptional results.
On this week’s episode, WHOOP VP of Performance Science, Principal Scientist, Kristen Holmes is joined by orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert Dr. Vonda Wright. The double board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon has over 20+ years of experience working with athletes and leaders across the sports and business industries. Kristen and Dr. Vonda will discuss Dr. Vonda’s mission (4:10), if aging is a disease (8:25), investing in longevity (11:33), exercising for longevity (16:01), how age and sex impact longevity (22:25), healthy muscle tissue leading to longevity (24:10), nutrition’s impact on aging (28:11), tactics to changing behaviors (36:40), and life as a surgeon and team doctor (48:37).