My husband, Jim, and I are careful about what we eat, we exercise regularly and take our supplements. We accept many of the signs of aging, including a little stubborn weight gain, laugh lines and graying hair. Many of these changes are indicators of a life well lived and signs of earned wisdom. But when it comes to saggy droopy skin, that makes us want to turn back the clock!

“No matter which path we follow to aging vibrantly, the most inspiring takeaway is that lifestyle, not genes, determines destiny,” says Marlaina Donato in our feature article Growing Younger: Longevity Strategies that Help Reverse the Aging Process [page 20]. That’s great news. As someone who embraces leafy greens, vegetables, and tasty detox smoothies, I like the idea that my choices can positively contribute to the aging process. 

Danato explains that until recently, age was determined by the year on our birth certificate, but “bio age” is the new number to pay attention to. “Bio age is how fast our bodies are aging, and aging is the main risk factor for all diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia and neurodegenerative disorders,” says Kara Fitzgerald, a naturopathic doctor and the author of Younger You: Reduce Your Bio Age and Live Longer, Better. She notes that only 10 to 20 percent of longevity outcomes are genetic. We work with our functional medicine doctor to keep tabs on physical indicators that can help direct our supplements and lifestyle choices. It is reassuring to learn that lifestyle is 80-90% of the longevity equation.

In this issue, we offer ideas and tips for inspired living. Drying food is the oldest known method of food preservation. Learn how with Food Dehydration Made Easy: Best Ways to Preserve the Harvest  [page 24]. In honor of Yoga Awareness Month, you’ll find advice for getting started in Aging Gracefully: How a Yoga Practice Keeps Us Young [page 26]. For the furry members of the family, discover top supplements for dogs and cats in Healthier Pets [page 28]. And our online exclusives at my-NA.com offer natural strategies to help halt headache pain in Heading Off Headaches and wisdom from mind-body physician Lissa Rankin on the Mysteries of Healing. I hope that this issue inspires you to try a few new lifestyle choices that can support you for a long time to come.

Here’s to aging vibrantly!

Kris Urquhart