Longevity by Design

In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dalia Blander and Eprihm Blander, his parents, who are thriving in their nineties. Gil explores the daily routines, food choices, and mindsets that have kept Dalia and Eprihm active, independent, and healthy well into later life.Dalia and Eprihm share how simple habits like regular movement, home-cooked meals, and a Mediterranean diet have shaped their health. They talk about the power of walking, gardening, and staying busy with meaningful work. Both value strong family ties and regular contact with friends, crediting these connections as key to their sense of purpose. Dalia highlights the importance of curiosity, reading, and keeping her mind sharp, while Eprihm stays engaged by helping with family business and learning new things.Together, they show that a positive outlook, daily activity, and strong relationships are at the heart of a long, fulfilling life.  Episode highlights:[00:00:00]: Introduction[00:01:04]: Episode Overview and Purpose[00:01:50]: Guest Backgrounds[00:02:45]: Approach to Interview and Method[00:03:34]: Early Life and Childhood Environment[00:04:17]: Childhood Diet and Physical Activity[00:05:11]: Influence of Upbringing on Long-Term Health[00:05:35]: Family Longevity and Genetic Background[00:06:23]: Adult Life, Careers, and Daily Routines[00:07:19]: Diet and Lifestyle in Adulthood[00:07:43]: Attitudes Toward Health and Longevity[00:08:31]: Habits Around Food, Sleep, and Exercise[00:09:15]: Stress Management Approaches[00:10:17]: Coping with Health Challenges and Positive Attitude[00:11:37]: Daily Life and Routines in Their Nineties[00:13:44]: Morning Routines and Keeping Active[00:14:19]: Mental Engagement and Cognitive Health[00:14:50]: Dietary Habits and Food Choices[00:15:03]: Sources of Joy and Purpose[00:15:27]: Mindset, Relationships, and Emotional Health[00:16:38]: Social Connections and Family Importance[00:17:01]: Role of Humor, Gratitude, and Curiosity[00:17:35]: Attitude’s Impact on Health and Longevity[00:17:58]: Advice for Younger Generations[00:18:43]: Quick Fire Round: Daily Habits and Myths About Aging[00:19:57]: Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways[00:20:25]: Outro and FarewellFor science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast Similar Longevity By Design episodes we think you would love: The Latest Updates in Longevity Research with Dr. Eric Verdin Dr. Andrea Maier—Mechanisms of AgingXPRIZE Healthspan: Revolutionizing Human Aging & Healthspan with Dr. Jamie Justice 

Join Dr. Emeran Mayer, a pioneer in gut-brain research and founder of Mayer Interconnected, as he uncovers the intricate links between our gut and brain health. He discusses how modern diets and ultra-processed foods disrupt our microbiome, impacting emotions and overall health. Mayer emphasizes the long-term effects of early antibiotic use and advocates for plant-forward diets and lifestyle changes for better gut health. He also hints at exciting future therapies, including engineered probiotics, to enhance gut-brain connections.

Dr. Albert-László Barabási, a distinguished professor and network science pioneer, dives into the intriguing concept of 'nutritional dark matter'—the myriad of little-known food molecules that play crucial roles in our health. He connects aging to a loss of resilience, illustrating how networks in our body affect our recovery from stress. Barabási also critiques ultra-processed foods and their disease links, sharing innovative tools to assess food quality. His passion for connecting health, nutrition, and community shines through, inspiring a more mindful approach to eating.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Kerry Burnight, a leading gerontologist and New York Times bestselling author, dives into the concept of 'joyspan'—focusing on purpose and connection for a vibrant later life. She explains how traditional views on aging often ignore the potential for growth and joy. Dr. Burnight shares insights on fostering strong social ties, the importance of adaptability, and how giving back can enhance health and purpose. Listeners are encouraged to rethink aging and embrace practices that lead to a fulfilling and resilient future.

In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Gil Blander sits down with Florence Comite, MD, physician-scientist and founder of the Comite Center for Precision Medicine & Healthy Longevity. They explore why a one-size-fits-all approach to longevity falls short and how personalized data, from biomarkers to genetics, can spot early signs of disease before symptoms appear.Florence explains her “Nof1” method, which uses deep testing, wearables, and personal history to craft precise health plans. She highlights how sleep, more than exercise or diet, shapes long-term health but remains hard for most people to optimize. Using real-world examples, Florence shows why tracking markers like insulin and hormones matter, and why most people need support to turn health knowledge into action.The conversation covers the limits of standard medical care, the value of knowing your family history, and how even the best routines must adapt over time. Florence urges listeners to get curious about their own data and take steps—however small—toward better health.Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Dr. Florence Comite💡 What she does: Physician-scientist and innovator💡 Company: Comite Center for Precision Medicine & Healthy Longevity💡 Noteworthy: Known for pioneering “Nof1™” precision medicine, integrating genomics, biomarkers, and lifestyle data to prevent and delay chronic disease and optimize healthspan.💡 Guest Company Website: https://www.comitemd.com/  Episode highlights:[00:00:00]: Introduction[00:01:00]: Sleep vs. Exercise in Health Priorities[00:02:00]: Background and Shift from Conventional to Proactive Medicine[00:04:00]: Early Epiphanies on Aging and Metabolic Decline[00:06:00]: Connecting Data Across Systems and the Limits of One-Size-Fits-All[00:08:00]: Family Variability and the Case for Individualized Care[00:10:00]: Genetics, Environment, and the Impact of Lifestyle[00:11:00]: Challenges in Applying Genomic Data in Medicine[00:12:00]: Nof1™ Protocols and Personalized Data Collection[00:14:00]: Baseline Assessments and Biomarker Analysis[00:16:00]: Holistic Approach to Patient Assessment[00:17:00]: Importance of VO2 Max and Endurance for Healthspan[00:18:00]: Early Detection and Intervention in Children and Adults[00:19:00]: Insulin, Glucose, and Overlooked Markers in Pre-Diabetes[00:20:00]: Evolutionary Perspective on Metabolic Disease[00:21:00]: Moderation, Wearables, and the Promise of Digital Health[00:22:00]: Behavioral Barriers to Lifestyle Change[00:23:00]: Wearables, Real-Time Feedback, and Democratizing Health Data[00:24:00]: Drivers of Chronic Disease and the Role of Genetics[00:27:00]: Lifestyle Interventions That Move the Needle[00:28:00]: Sleep as a Foundational Health Variable[00:30:00]: Strategies for Improving Sleep Quality[00:33:00]: Personalized Sleep Optimization and Barriers for the General Public[00:36:00]: Hormonal Changes, HRT, and Gender Differences in Aging[00:44:00]: Longevity Myths and the Limits of Universal Advice[00:47:00]: Genetics, Data, and Playing the Best Hand[00:51:00]: Using Family History and Genetic Insights for Prevention[00:52:00]: Book Preview: Prototypes and Personalization[00:55:00]: Key Biomarkers and the Value of Actionable Advice[00:56:00]: Integrating AI and Automation in Precision Medicine[00:59:00]: Final Thoughts and Practical Wisdom[01:00:00]: Closing Remarks and ResourcesWe Appreciate You!As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcastFor science-backed ways to live a hea

In this episode of Longevity by Design, our host, Dr. Gil Blander, sits down with Dylan Livingston, CEO at the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives, and Dr. Brenda Eap to explore how public policy shapes the future of aging research. Dylan and Brendan share how their team pushes for legislation that supports healthy lifespan extension, aiming to bring longevity science into the center of national health priorities.Dylan and Brendan explain why policy advocacy is crucial for securing funding for research, reducing regulatory hurdles, and establishing a clear path for new therapies. They outline recent successes, including building bipartisan support in Congress and expanding access to experimental treatments in states such as Montana. Throughout their discussion, Dylan shows how effective communication,  using stories and simple analogies, helps move longevity from the lab to lawmakers’ agendas.The episode closes with practical advice for listeners. Dylan highlights the power of community, clear communication, and grassroots action as tools that help turn advanced science into real-world health gains.Episode highlights:[00:00:00]: Introduction[00:01:00]: Overview of Longevity Policy and Research Funding[00:02:00]: Backgrounds and Personal Journeys into Longevity Advocacy[00:05:00]: Inspiration and Founding of Longevity Policy Organization[00:07:00]: Scientific Training and Motivation for Policy Work[00:09:00]: Mission and Approach of Longevity Advocacy Organization[00:10:00]: Policy Advocacy’s Role in Advancing Longevity Research[00:12:00]: Gaps in Funding and the Importance of Government Engagement[00:13:00]: Experiences with Policy Events and Realizations about Advocacy[00:14:00]: Early Accomplishments and Congressional Engagement[00:15:00]: Building Bipartisan Support and the Longevity Science Caucus[00:16:00]: Legislative Engagement and Policy Paper Development[00:17:00]: State-Level Policy Wins and Expansion of Right to Try Laws[00:19:00]: Rationale and Strategy for State-Level Focus[00:21:00]: Plans for Geographic Expansion of Longevity Policy Initiatives[00:23:00]: Political Climate and Opportunities with the Current Administration[00:25:00]: Shifts in Federal Attitudes Toward Longevity and Healthspan[00:27:00]: Demographics, Policy Momentum, and National Health Priorities[00:29:00]: Prevention Versus Treatment: Shifting Policy Mindsets[00:32:00]: Communicating Policy Opportunities to a Wider Audience[00:34:00]: Ensuring Longevity Policy Remains Bipartisan[00:35:00]: Intersection of Policy, Science, and Public Engagement[00:37:00]: Funding and Regulatory Challenges in Longevity Research[00:39:00]: Barriers in Clinical Trials and Policy Modernization[00:40:00]: Strategies for Communicating Longevity Science to Policymakers[00:44:00]: Framing Longevity for Policy Impact and Public Understanding[00:48:00]: Future Vision and Milestones for Longevity Policy[00:51:00]: How Individuals and Organizations Can Support Longevity Advocacy[00:55:00]: Practical Longevity Advice and Episode ConclusionWe Appreciate You!As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcastFor science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

Peter Fedichev, a physicist-turned-biotech innovator and CEO of Gero, dives into the intricacies of aging. He explains how resilience, rather than disease, is key to longevity and frames aging as a series of 'jumps' in physiology. Peter advocates for startups as the future of longevity research, highlights the importance of molecular fidelity, and discusses the limitations of animal models in aging studies. His insights on personal longevity practices and the role of social factors offer listeners a fresh perspective on enhancing healthspan.

Dr. Eric Verdin, President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, delves into the fascinating world of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and its potential to slow biological aging. He discusses groundbreaking findings from recent clinical trials that hint at measurable age reversal. The conversation highlights the importance of rigorous human trials in validating longevity treatments and the exciting possibilities of combining TPE with personalized lifestyle strategies for an extended healthspan.

Dr. Keith Diaz, an Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University, sheds light on the dangers of prolonged sitting. He reveals that daily exercise alone can't reverse sedentary effects, recommending just five minutes of light walking every hour to boost mood and reduce fatigue. The discussion highlights how modern environments encourage sedentary behavior, while offering practical strategies like treadmill desks and family walks to incorporate movement into daily life. Diaz advocates for rethinking our daily habits to enhance overall health.

Dr. Haim Cohen, a Professor of Molecular Genetics at Bar-Ilan University and director of the Minerva Israel-Germany Center for Biological Mechanisms of Aging, shares groundbreaking insights on aging. He discusses how his team analyzed acetylation sites across 107 mammalian species, revealing evolutionary adaptations linked to longevity. The conversation covers the impact of acetylation on DNA repair and mitochondrial function, as well as the potential to mimic these adaptations in transgenic mice. Haim also emphasizes the importance of gender-specific aging research and practical lifestyle changes to enhance longevity.