FHC #145: The boring secrets to longevity with Brad Stulberg

Fixing Healthcare Podcast

In the final episode of season nine, Fixing Healthcare cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr sit down with Brad Stulberg, a renowned author and public health expert, to discuss the keys to living (and eventually dying) well. The interview concludes a season-long focus on ways to improve end-of-life care in the United States.

The hosts start with Stulberg’s recent New York Times recent op-ed, “The Key to Longevity Is Boring.” Stulberg, known for his work on human performance and well-being, emphasizes the power of simple, evidence-based habits for achieving a long and healthy life.

The conversation covers the importance of regular exercise, a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and nurturing meaningful relationships. While these practices might seem mundane compared to the latest health fads and biohacks, Stulberg argues that they are the true keys to a life well lived.

He highlights research demonstrating that people who consistently follow these five principles live seven years longer on average, with six of those years spent in good health.

Key topics explored in this episode include:

• The myth of biohacking: Stulberg critiques the growing trend of biohacking, emphasizing that many popular supplements and extreme health practices are not supported by science and can detract from the joy of living.
• Exercise as a movement practice: Stulberg encourages a shift from viewing exercise as a chore to seeing it as a sustainable movement practice, whether it’s through sports, walking or other enjoyable activities.
• Nutrition without obsession: The discussion moves to the challenges of maintaining a nutritious diet amidst a culture obsessed with quick fixes and fad diets. Stulberg advises focusing on whole foods and avoiding ultra-processed products.
• Social connections: The episode delves into the vital role that relationships play in both mental and physical health, drawing on findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which identified strong social connections as the most important factor for a long and healthy life.
• Debunking health anxiety: Stulberg touches on the rise of health anxiety fueled by the wellness industry and social media, urging listeners to focus on the basics rather than getting caught up in the latest trends.

Throughout the episode, Stulberg’s insights remind us that the path to longevity doesn’t require radical change or cutting-edge science. Instead, it’s about mastering the fundamentals—habits that are accessible to everyone.

Tune in for the full interview and join the conversation on social media.

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Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the upcoming book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.

Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post FHC #145: The boring secrets to longevity with Brad Stulberg appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.