Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging is a Mayo Clinic Press guide to aging well, with chapters on aging biology, lifestyle habits, brain and body health, diet, physical activity, resilience, retirement planning, and healthspan. It is best used as an educational guide, not a personalized medical plan or proof that any therapy extends human lifespan 1.
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Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging is a consumer health book from Mayo Clinic Press. It explains why aging happens, what may shape the aging process, and what readers can do to support a longer, more purposeful life 1.
The book is not a medical textbook or a treatment protocol. It is a broad guide that covers personal risk, body and brain challenge, healthy diet, physical activity, resilience, retirement planning, and living a fulfilling life 1.
Book type, publisher, and stated purpose
Mayo Clinic Press describes the book as an easy and comprehensive guide to keeping the body active, the mind sharp, and the spirit fulfilled. The stated purpose is practical education for later-life health, not diagnosis or prescribing 1.
Main topics covered
- Aging biology and why we age 1
- Personal risks and prevention 1
- Brain health and cognitive challenge 1
- Physical activity and mobility 1
- Healthy diet and nutrition patterns 1
- Resilience, purpose, social connection, and retirement planning 1
Evidence note: healthspan is not the same as proven lifespan extension
Mayo Clinic’s page frames healthspan as years lived independently and free of age-related diseases and disabilities 1. That is different from proving that any one habit, supplement, peptide, or medication makes humans live longer.
Who wrote and edited the Mayo Clinic healthy aging book?
Mayo Clinic specialists contributed to the book, including staff connected with the Mayo Clinic Kogod Center on Aging. Mayo Clinic Press also lists Nathan K. LeBrasseur, Ph.D., and Christina Chen, M.D., in connection with the healthy-aging guide 1.
Mayo Clinic specialists and the Kogod Center on Aging
The Kogod Center on Aging focuses on healthspan, which Mayo describes as the number of years people spend living independently and remaining free of age-related diseases and disabilities 1. That focus matches the way many clinicians now talk about aging: not only “How long can someone live?” but “How well can someone function?”
Nathan K. LeBrasseur, Ph.D.
Nathan K. LeBrasseur, Ph.D., is associated with Mayo Clinic’s aging research and the Kogod Center on Aging on the book’s official page 1. His research area is often discussed in the context of healthspan, age-related disease, and the biology of aging.
Christina Chen, M.D.
Christina Chen, M.D., is also listed in connection with Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging 1. For readers, the important point is that the book is written as patient education from a large clinical institution, not as one person’s personal longevity program.
What healthy-aging topics does the book cover?
The book covers broad healthy-aging basics, from biology to daily habits. Its scope is wide, so readers should expect an overview rather than a deep manual on one medication, diet, or workout plan 1.
| Topic | What the book appears to cover | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Aging biology | Why we age and how aging may be shaped over time 1 | Useful as a foundation, not proof that aging is fully controllable |
| Physical activity | How to challenge the body and support mobility 1 | Strongly aligned with national healthy-aging guidance 2 |
| Diet | Healthy diet as part of later-life function 1 | Best read as a long-term pattern, not a single-food cure |
| Brain health | Cognitive challenge and keeping the mind active 1 | Pairs well with sleep, activity, social contact, and medical care |
| Resilience and purpose | Spirit, fulfillment, and adapting to change 1 | Important for quality of life, not a substitute for medical care |
| Retirement and independence | Planning for daily function and later-life needs 1 | Practical for readers preparing for aging-related changes |
The biology of aging
Aging biology looks at the body’s gradual changes over time: cell stress, inflammation, DNA repair, metabolism, immune changes, and tissue repair. These pathways are active research areas, but most findings do not yet prove longer human life 8.
Brain health and cognitive challenge
The book’s brain-health focus fits with broader aging guidance that encourages mental and cognitive health across the lifespan 2. In the FINGER randomized trial, a multi-part program with diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring improved or maintained cognitive performance in at-risk older adults over 2 years 5.
Physical activity and mobility
Physical activity is one of the most consistent healthy-aging themes. Federal guidelines state that older adults should do aerobic activity, muscle-strengthening activity, and balance training as they are able, with activity adapted to fitness and health conditions 3.
Diet and nutrition
Diet is best framed as a long-term pattern. In the PREDIMED randomized trial, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts reduced major cardiovascular events in people at high cardiovascular risk, though individual results vary and the trial was not a human lifespan-extension study 4.
What does reliable healthy-aging guidance say people can do now?
Reliable healthy-aging guidance is practical: keep moving, eat in a balanced way, stay connected, challenge the brain, manage health conditions, and use trustworthy information. The National Institute on Aging says genetics and lifestyle choices both influence healthy aging 2.
Adopt or continue healthy habits
The National Institute on Aging states that people can help preserve health and mobility as they age by adopting or continuing healthy habits and lifestyle choices 2. That does not mean aging is fully under personal control; it means daily choices can shape risk and function.
Stay physically active
Exercise supports cardiovascular health, muscle strength, balance, and function. In the LIFE randomized trial, a structured physical activity program reduced major mobility disability in sedentary older adults compared with a health education program 6.
Support mental and cognitive health
Cognitive health is not only crossword puzzles. It includes sleep, hearing and vision care, blood pressure control, physical activity, social contact, and medical care for mood or memory changes. The Lancet Commission identified several modifiable dementia risk factors across life, while noting that risk reduction is not a guarantee for any one person 7.
Stay socially engaged
The National Institute on Aging encourages older adults to stay engaged through activities such as volunteering, learning a hobby, and exercise 2. Human observational research links stronger social relationships with lower mortality risk, but observational data cannot prove that social connection alone extends lifespan 9.
Use trustworthy health information sources
Aging advice online can be confusing. The National Institute on Aging recommends using a reliability checklist when judging online health information, including who runs the site, whether claims are supported, and whether the information is current 2.
What is the #1 best habit for healthy aging?
There may not be one single best habit for every person. If we had to name a central habit, it would be regular physical activity, because it touches strength, balance, heart health, insulin sensitivity, mood, and independence 3.
Why there may not be one single best habit
A person with frequent falls may need balance work first. A person with uncontrolled blood pressure may need medical follow-up first. A person who is isolated may need social support first. Healthy aging is a system, not a single lever.
Why physical activity is often central
Federal guidelines advise older adults to be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow, and to include balance training when fall risk is a concern 3. Human clinical trials also support structured activity for mobility outcomes in older adults 6.
How sleep, nutrition, social connection, and medical care fit together
Movement works better when it is paired with enough sleep, adequate protein and calories, social support, and regular medical care. These habits also make it easier to notice new symptoms, medication side effects, pain, or fall risk early.
What is the best diet for healthy aging?
The best diet for healthy aging is usually a sustainable pattern, not a short-term fix. For many adults, that means mostly whole foods, enough protein, fiber-rich plants, healthy fats, and a plan that fits medical needs and culture.
How to frame diet as a long-term pattern, not a short-term fix
The PREDIMED trial is often cited because it tested Mediterranean diet patterns in humans and found fewer major cardiovascular events in high-risk adults assigned to Mediterranean diet groups 4. That is helpful evidence for heart health, but it does not prove that one named diet extends human lifespan.
Why readers should avoid overinterpreting single-food claims
Single-food claims can sound simple, but aging is not controlled by one berry, oil, protein powder, or supplement. Diet quality, total energy intake, muscle maintenance, medical conditions, dental health, and food access all matter.
When to ask a clinician or dietitian for individualized guidance
People with diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure, swallowing problems, cancer history, unplanned weight loss, or many medications should ask a clinician or dietitian for personal guidance. Healthy-aging diet advice should be adjusted to the person, not copied from a general book.
What should a 70-year-old be doing every day?
A 70-year-old’s daily routine should support movement, nutrition, medication safety, brain challenge, connection, hydration, and symptom awareness. The exact plan should fit health conditions, mobility, fall risk, and clinician advice 2.
- 1Move the body within safe limits, including walking, strength, stretching, or balance work when appropriate 3.
- 2Challenge the brain with reading, learning, hobbies, music, puzzles, classes, or meaningful work 2.
- 3Take medications as prescribed and ask a clinician or pharmacist about side effects, interactions, and missed doses.
- 4Stay connected with people through family, friends, faith groups, volunteering, classes, or community activities 2.
- 5Eat regular balanced meals and stay hydrated, especially during heat, illness, or medication changes.
- 6Raise new symptoms, dizziness, falls, memory changes, pain, weakness, or weight changes with a clinician.
How does the book discuss longevity research without overpromising?
Longevity research is exciting, but the careful frame is healthspan first. Mayo Clinic’s book page discusses aging biology and senolytics as an emerging research area, while the stronger everyday guidance remains lifestyle and prevention 1.
Healthspan vs lifespan
Healthspan means the years lived with function, independence, and fewer age-related diseases or disabilities 1. Lifespan means total years lived. A treatment can improve a marker, symptom, or disease risk without proving that it extends human lifespan.
Lifestyle evidence vs emerging drug research
Lifestyle evidence includes human clinical trials and human observational studies. Emerging drug research may include early human studies, animal studies, cell studies, and biomarker studies. These evidence types are not equal, and they should not be described as if they prove the same thing.
Senolytics as an emerging research area
Senolytics are being studied to target senescent cells, which are cells that stop dividing but may release inflammatory signals. In a small first-in-human pilot study of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, dasatinib plus quercetin was studied for feasibility and physical function signals, not as proof of lifespan extension 8.
Why animal, cell, and biomarker findings do not prove longer human life
Animal and cell studies can explain mechanisms and help choose what to test next. But mice, cells, and blood markers are not the same as human outcomes. For longevity, the most honest question is: has this improved a meaningful human health outcome, and has it been tested for safety?
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At Chia, longevity care starts with an online health questionnaire and review by a licensed US provider. When clinically appropriate, we can prescribe compounded treatments such as the Foundation Longevity protocol, which includes Sermorelin Injection, NAD+ Injection, and Glutathione Injection. A prescription requires medical evaluation and is not guaranteed. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved.
How does Mayo Clinic’s healthy-aging framework relate to longevity care at Chia?
At Chia, healthy aging starts with foundations first: movement, sleep, nutrition, routine care, risk-factor management, and realistic goals. Our longevity treatments are considered only after a licensed-provider review, and they do not replace primary care, cancer screening, cardiology care, neurology care, or emergency care.
Education first: lifestyle and routine medical care remain the foundation
This is where Mayo Clinic’s framework and Chia’s approach overlap. Healthy-aging books can help you ask better questions, but your own medical history matters most. That includes medications, lab history, hormone status, weight changes, sleep, mood, heart risk, kidney or liver disease, and cancer history.
Chia’s Foundation Longevity protocol
Chia’s Foundation Longevity protocol includes Sermorelin Injection, NAD+ Injection, and Glutathione Injection. Plans currently start at $399/mo, and the protocol is reviewed online by a licensed US provider before any prescription is issued. These are compounded medications, which are not FDA-approved.
Related Chia longevity treatments: NAD+, Glutathione, and Sermorelin
Chia also offers NAD+ as an injection from $179/mo or nasal spray from $119/mo, glutathione as an injection or nasal spray from $179/mo, and sermorelin as an injection, nasal spray, or tablets, with injection and nasal spray plans currently starting at $179/mo. These are compounded medications made by US state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies and shipped to the patient’s door; compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
| Chia option | Forms listed in Chia’s catalog | Current starting price | How it fits the healthy-aging frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Longevity | Sermorelin Injection + NAD+ Injection + Glutathione Injection | From $399/mo | A clinician-reviewed multi-treatment protocol for patients whose goals and history fit |
| NAD+ | Injection or nasal spray | From $179/mo injection; from $119/mo nasal spray | Discussed in longevity care because NAD biology is tied to cellular energy pathways; human lifespan extension is not proven 10 |
| Glutathione | Injection or nasal spray | From $179/mo | Discussed in longevity care because glutathione is part of antioxidant biology; human lifespan extension is not proven 11 |
| Sermorelin | Injection, nasal spray, or tablets | From $179/mo injection or nasal spray | A growth-hormone secretagogue option that requires clinician review and safety screening 12 |
How online clinician review works at Chia
Chia is 100% online. A patient completes a short health questionnaire, then a licensed US provider reviews it and prescribes only when clinically appropriate. Dosing is provider-guided and adjusted over time, and patients can message their care team through the patient portal.
Important limits: compounded medications are not FDA-approved and prescriptions are not guaranteed
Longevity treatments may be considered off-label depending on the treatment and patient context. Possible side effects depend on the medication and form, and may include injection-site reactions, headache, nausea, flushing, fluid changes, glucose changes, or other risks in certain medical conditions 12. That is why Chia uses a licensed-provider review rather than a no-prescription supplement model.
Should you buy Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging?
Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging may be worth reading if you want a broad, practical overview from a major medical publisher. It may be less useful if you are looking for a narrow treatment manual, a personalized exercise plan, or proof that a specific therapy extends human lifespan.
Good fit for readers who want a broad healthy-aging overview
The book is a good fit for readers who want plain-language education on aging biology, prevention, mobility, diet, brain health, resilience, and independence 1. It may also help families talk about aging goals in a calmer, more practical way.
May be less useful for readers seeking a narrow treatment manual
If you want exact instructions for one medication, peptide, supplement, lab panel, or diet, this book is probably too broad. That is not a flaw; it is simply not meant to replace a clinician who can review your risks, labs, symptoms, and goals.
How to pair the book with your own clinician’s advice
A helpful way to use the book is to mark questions, not conclusions. Bring those questions to your primary care clinician, specialist, dietitian, physical therapist, or a Chia provider if your goals involve online longevity care.
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Start with a licensed-provider review
If your healthy-aging goals include longevity treatments, you can start with Chia’s online eligibility process. Our providers review your health history and prescribe only when clinically appropriate. You can learn more about Foundation Longevity, NAD+, glutathione, or sermorelin before starting.
FAQ
No. It is a patient-friendly healthy-aging guide from Mayo Clinic Press. It is meant for education, not for diagnosing conditions or creating a personal treatment plan.
No. The book discusses aging biology and healthy choices, but aging is still shaped by genetics, environment, medical history, and chance. Healthy habits can support healthspan, but they do not give total control over aging.
Not always. Healthy aging often focuses on better function, independence, mobility, and quality of life. Living longer is lifespan; living better for more years is healthspan.
Healthspan is the number of years a person lives with good function, independence, and fewer age-related diseases or disabilities. It is different from lifespan, which is total years lived.
No longevity treatment should be assumed to extend human lifespan unless that outcome has been shown in human clinical evidence. Many longevity ideas are based on biomarkers, animal studies, cell studies, or early human data, which are useful but limited.
Yes, when clinically appropriate. Chia offers online clinician review for certain compounded longevity treatments, including Foundation Longevity, NAD+, glutathione, and sermorelin. A prescription requires review by a licensed US provider and is not guaranteed.
No. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They may still be prescribed by licensed clinicians when clinically appropriate and prepared by state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies.
References
- 1.Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging. Mayo Clinic Press, accessed 2026.
- 2.National Institute on Aging. Healthy aging. National Institutes of Health, accessed 2026.
- 3.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.
- 4.Estruch R, Ros E, Salas-Salvadó J, et al. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts. New England Journal of Medicine. 2018.
- 5.Ngandu T, Lehtisalo J, Solomon A, et al. A 2 year multidomain intervention of diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring versus control to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk elderly people: a randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 2015.
- 6.Pahor M, Guralnik JM, Ambrosius WT, et al. Effect of structured physical activity on prevention of major mobility disability in older adults: the LIFE Study randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014.
- 7.Livingston G, Huntley J, Sommerlad A, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet. 2020.
- 8.Justice JN, Nambiar AM, Tchkonia T, et al. Senolytics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: results from a first-in-human, open-label, pilot study. EBioMedicine. 2019.
- 9.Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB. Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PLOS Medicine. 2010.
- 10.Verdin E. NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015.
- 11.Forman HJ, Zhang H, Rinna A. Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Molecular Aspects of Medicine. 2009.
- 12.DailyMed. Sermorelin acetate prescribing information. National Library of Medicine, accessed 2026.
About this article
Chia Health Editorial Team — Evidence-reviewed health education
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any prescription.
AI tools may assist with research and drafting. Chia's editorial team reviews source use, clarity, treatment information, and safety framing before publication. A clinician is named only after explicit sign-off. Read our editorial standards.
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