Longevity: separating fact from fiction with Dr Nick Coatsworth
We’re diving into the science and medical advancements in ageing and longevity, and exploring what we can all do to make the most of our prime time years.
This week on Prime Time, I’m joined by Dr. Nick Coatsworth—an infectious disease and respiratory physician, former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and the host of the hit TV show Do You Want to Live Forever?. We’re diving into the science and medical advancements in ageing and longevity, and exploring what we can all do to make the most of our prime time years.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Here’s some highlights from the show:
We discuss the concept of ageing as a disease - and how it works at a cellular level to let chronic disease like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other diseases into our body. And what can we do about it.
We talk about exercise, managing inflammation and fasting and how it triggers a cellular process called autophagy - a process that is said to have an impact on how our cells regenerate.
Calories, insulin spikes and inflammation, and how it is impacted by fasting.
Monitoring our biometrics with wearables - monitoring our heart rate, our sleep and other measurements we can be aware.
There’s some new information about cognitive health in the Lancet Commission Report that says that we have got to monitor and manage our hearing much earlier in life. This report is telling us that we have to monitor and manage it in our 40s and 50s, rather than later in life. The other indicator in the report says to monitor is your LDLs (bad cholesterol) - that it is important to our cognitive health.
What’s bad for our bodies - we talk about some simple lessons people can adopt.
Screening and biometrics are important - the things we should all screen for regularly. And, then what can we do if we want to get a bit more proactive about our health.
From Bec’s Desk
I have to admit, I’m absolutely fascinated by the science of modern ageing and the incredible discoveries that are showing us how to live longer, better-quality lives. Getting the chance to chat with Nick this week was a real thrill, especially since I’ve spent the last week diving deep into the health section of my next book. It felt like perfect timing to prepare for this episode.
While we’re here, I’ve got something else worth mentioning for all you Prime Timers…
Last weekend, I wrote a piece for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald that really struck a chord with the over-50s. It’s tailored specifically for those who have ‘average’ superannuation balances and might be feeling a bit anxious about retiring. The article is called "Nervous about retiring? You might be better off than you think," and I dug into all the key calculations to help people understand how their super could grow over the next 10 years. You can check it out here.
Now, go ahead and dive into my chat with Dr. Nick Coatsworth!
And if you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, please do me a favour—leave a review and a rating. On Spotify, just a rating will do. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the show!
Catch you next week, and in the meantime, make your Prime Time count!
Many thanks! Bec Wilson
Author, podcaster, guest speaker, retirement educator … Visit my website for more info about me, here