The Livelong Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

Healthy Aging Month is all about feeling better for longer. Here’s what you can do to feel better right now: 

1. Socialize: Connecting with others can add years to your life. Daily socialization is best, so feel free to say ‘Hi!’ to that quiet (but probably lovely) neighbor of yours.

2. Move: Movement releases endorphins, alleviates stress, improves mood and cognition, and keeps your body healthy and mobile. Click here for the best workout app.

In today’s issue:

• Next-gen probiotics for the win.

• Billions are lacking these nutrients.

• Longevity and pickleball.

• … and more.

We love to hear from you—our community. Please share your feedback, stories, questions, testimonials, ideas, and more with us at [email protected].

WISDOM FOR LIFE

👁️‍🗨️SPOTLIGHT

Next-generation probiotic protects against diabetes

Akkermansia is a ‘next-generation’ class of probiotics that can be used for diabetes management, according to a story in The Washington Post.

The probiotic can boost GLP-1 hormone production. This hormone makes you feel full (Ozempic mimics GLP-1s to produce a similar effect), and it may lower the risk of obesity and diabetes, according to the article.

What’s in it? These probiotics contain a friendly bacterial strain called Akkermansia muciniphila, which constitutes 3-5% of microbes in healthy adult guts.

• High levels of Akkermasia is linked with less inflammation and body weight.

• Less abundant Akkermasia is linked with weight gain, metabolic disease, and obesity.

Why does it matter? Companies such as the San Francisco-based Pendulum sell probiotics for diabetes management which contain Akkermansia muciniphila.

They are expensive ($165 for a one-month supply), but we reckon probiotics could open up an entirely new market for holistic diabetes management.

Meet TruDiagnostic

Age in reverse

Created to help you slow aging, the TruDiagnostic TruAge COMPLETE at-home epigenetic test is a certified diagnostic test that can help you level up.

• 🎯 Test 75+ aging biomarkers, including baseline biologic age, telomere length, gut health, and more.

• 📑 Get an easy-to-read report with actionable insights and recommendations.

• 🧪 Retest in a few months to see how your longevity protocol works for you.

From Kardashians to people who just want to be healthy, the test can be the next step in your health journey.

WELLNESS WATCH

Billions are not getting critical nutrients from their diet

Nearly five billion people are not meeting their dietary requirement of iodine, vitamin E, or calcium, according to a recent report discussing research published in The Lancet Global Health. 

Four billion people are not getting enough dietary iron, based on data collected from 185 countries.

• ⚠️ “These results are alarming,” said co-author Ty Beal, senior technical specialist at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, in a statement.

Why is this important? These nutrients affect many fundamental processes in the body. Over time, inadequate intake can have significant repercussions on health. 

What are the nutrients?

• Iodine: Is used to make thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and other processes.

• Vitamin E: Supports immune health, the release of inflammatory free radicals, and cellular communication.

• Calcium: Contributes to bone health, blood circulation, muscle function, and is important for the nervous system.

• Iron: Transports oxygen through the blood, promotes muscle metabolism, growth, brain development, and more.

Limitation: This study did not look at getting nutrients via fortification or supplementation.

Discover dietary sources of these nutrients here.

📰 IN OTHER NEWS

Fastest-growing U.S. sport extends life expectancy (🥒 pickleball, of course)

Pickleball is not only the fastest-growing U.S. sport—pickleball may be one of the best sports for longevity, according to a recent article in Psychology Today.

In a 2016 study, playing a racket sport reduced risk of death by 47% compared to being inactive. The longevity benefits beat swimming and other forms of exercise.

A 2018 study shows that racket sports (tennis and badminton) increase lifespan more than any other sport.

• Racket sports are a full-body workout, stimulating for the brain, and require an opponent—hence, social interaction, making it an all-around effective type of physical activity.

Quick reads

1. Not slow, not steady. The body ages in bursts. Find out when these age-related changes happen here.

2. What does your favorite movie say about your brain?

3. Python snakes grow healthy hearts after eating, which could inspire new treatments for heart disease.

4. ‘Molecular jackhammers’ destroy 99% of cancer cells, according to new research.

LONG-LEVITY

102 and taking a leap of faith

Manette Baillie sets the record for Britain’s oldest skydiver.

The 102-year-old recently celebrated her birthday by jumping out of a plane at 7,000 feet in Suffolk, UK, according to a recent article. 

This was her first-ever jump. It left her “breathless,” scared, and inspired.

“I just want other people who are getting towards 80 and 90 not to give up anything,” she says in an interview with BBC Radio 4. “Just keep going.”

🫂 She credits her long life to “community, friends, and being among people.”

QUIZ

Top travel destination for retirees

The question: “What is the top travel destination for retirees?”

The answer: Europe!

Outside of U.S. travel, it may come as little surprise that this is the ultimate travel location, as its diverse cultures and histories, affordability and accessibility makes it a perfect getaway.

LIVE MORE…

More people are retiring in Europe

• 🇵🇹 Portugal, Spain, and Malta are some of the best countries for retirement, according to the Global Citizens Union. 

• 🌅 They boast a mild climate year-round, excellent health care systems, lower cost of living, and an active lifestyle that will keep you moving.

Thought this week’s newsletter was interesting?

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🔔 One more thing: Don’t forget to catch up on the previous newsletter

How this new molecule is unlocking the power of telomeres for longer life.

Please note: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through them. This helps us continue to bring you credible and actionable health and longevity insights at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

About Livelong

Our goal is to provide you with credible and actionable information about health and longevity so you can live a longer and healthier life and guide you toward making insightful decisions that support you during your health and longevity journey. 

Have feedback for us? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional before starting any exercise, wellness, or health program. Nothing in our content, products or services should be considered, or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Livelong is a media company and not a medical provider. We try to give the most accurate possible, but sometimes information is subject to change.