Living To A Healthy 80

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Ever wonder why some guys hit their 80s still sharp, active, and having fun, while others spend their last years battling illness and fatigue? 

Here’s the hard truth: the average American man lives to about 75, but the average healthspan—the years spent free from major disease or disability—is only about 65. That means most guys spend their final decade dealing with health problems they’d rather avoid. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

I’m on a personal mission to make 75 the new 50, and in this edition of the LenDentonThrive Letter, we’ll explore an action plan to help any 50+ Guy bend the curve in your favor toward healthy, active aging.

Habits Over Heredity

While our genetics play a part in how long we’ll live, our daily decisions play a bigger role in determining the length and quality of our lives. And, this is very good news because it gives us a path forward to a healthier future. 

Our current health is a summary of our habits and choices over the years. And, if our health is not headed in the right direction, we can change it by changing our habits! That’s what I did more than 10 years ago when I started living my ThriveLife.

If you want to build a healthier future, you can do that by simply living a healthier life now. And, the best way to do it is to build your own stack of personalized healthy habits. Let’s look at some suggestions. 

Your Medical Early Warning System

The incidence of chronic diseases increases as we age. So, don’t skip your annual check-up. It’s your best defense against medical surprises. Catching issues early can save your life. No workout or diet can replace a doctor’s trained eye. If you haven’t had an annual exam in the past 12 months, call your doctor today!

Guard Your Brain

Dementia rates are rising, and Alzheimer’s is no longer rare. Protect your mind by:

• Getting quality sleep
  

• Managing stress
  

• Reducing alcohol consumption
  

• Staying mentally active (read, learn, do puzzles)
  

• Connecting with others
  

Eat Like It Matters

Forget the Modern American Diet (MAD) loaded with processed foods, seed oils, and sugar. Most chronic diseases—heart disease, diabetes, even some cancers—are tied to what’s on your plate.

• Focus on whole foods: veggies, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats
  

• Limit processed snacks and fast food
  

• Weight loss begins in the kitchen. You can’t out-exercise a bad diet. Check out my guidelines on how to Eat Smarter here.
  

Move More

Here’s a wild stat: in 1900, the average American man walked about 16,000 steps a day. Today? Most guys only manage 5,000–6,500 steps. That’s less than half. Our bodies were built to move, not sit.

• Stand up and walk around for five minutes every hour you’re awake
  

• Aim for 7,000–10,000 steps a day. A brisk walk is the best way to burn excess body fat
  

• Use the stairs, park farther away, and take a walk after dinner
  

Live With Purpose

This one’s a game-changer. Studies show that men with a strong sense of purpose live up to 20% longer than those who don’t. Purpose doesn’t have to mean saving the world. It could be something as simple as:

• Mentoring younger guys
  

• Volunteering
  

• Taking care of grandkids
  

• Learning a new skill
  

Purpose keeps your mind sharp, your mood up, and your body moving.

Stay Connected

Isolation is a health risk. Regular social time—whether it’s coffee with friends, joining a club, or volunteering—can lower your risk of depression and cognitive decline.

Better Habits Over Hustle

All of these suggestions can be accomplished by simply adopting better habits. You don’t need to grind away in the gym or follow a crazy diet. Instead:

• Prioritize sleep
  

• Drink less alcohol
  

• Keep learning new things
  

• Make movement a daily habit
  

Longevity Bridge Ahead

Medical science focused on longevity is advancing rapidly. Over the next few years, we will see dramatic improvements in diagnostics and therapies that will effectively extend the average lifespan by 10-15 years! This is called the longevity bridge. 

Think of your 50s and 60s as the on-ramp to the longevity bridge. The choices you make now can set you up for a healthy, active, and independent life at 80 and beyond.

Here’s your action plan:

• Book your annual check-up

• Guard Your Brain - sleep more, stress less
  

• Clean up your diet—ditch the processed stuff
  

• Move more every day - motion is medicine
  

• Find your purpose (big or small)
  

• Stay connected with others
  

Small steps, done consistently, add up. You don’t need to be perfect—just better than yesterday.

Smarter, not harder.

When you’re ready for a real and sustainable fitness transformation, here are three ways I can help you:

#1 - Sign up for this newsletter. Every week, you’ll receive tested, actionable tips and strategies to help you build your own customized version of the ThriveLife that fits your needs, preferences, and personal style. And, it’s free!

#2 - For a Do-It-Yourself approach to the ThriveLife, download your free copy of my new ebook: 6 Smart Moves To Your ThriveLife. Just click the button below.

#3 - When you’re ready to join a community of other busy 50+ Guys building their ThriveLives together, check out my new ThriveLife Transformation course. The ThriveLife Transformation guides you through a 30-day transformation process which includes online video training and daily support and assistance through our online community. Join alone or bring your friends. To learn more about the ThriveLife Transformation, click the button below.

Do You Know Somebody?

Do you know a 50+ Guy who’s struggling with their weight and fitness?

Please consider sharing this information with them. Just forward your copy of this email to them. Or, give them a free copy of my 6 Smart Moves ebook!

It might change their life!

(And remember, this works for Under-50 Guys, too!)

Thanks for reading this week.

I write this newsletter to make a positive impact on the lives of 50+ Guys and their families. If you found this information useful, please consider subscribing to receive new editions each week.

If you’d like to share a thought, a question or comment with me, you can simply reply to this email. I’d love to hear from you!

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