The Stanford Healthy Aging Conference Key Moments
- Elizabeth Bradley, MS
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Stanford 2nd Annual Healthy Aging: Mind and Body Conference occurred recently, with several of our team members attending and our very own Director of Nutrition, Jae Berman, representing as a panel expert!
The event brought together leading specialists in medicine, neuroscience, fitness, psychology, and longevity. Below, we've summarized the actionable, evidence-based recommendations to support a long, healthy life.
Chronic Stress Accelerates Aging—But You Can Reverse It
Dr. Elissa Epel revealed that persistent stress can actively age your cells. However, small daily practices—like breathwork, joy rituals, and healthy routines—can reduce stress-related biological aging.
Take home: Stress reduction should be made a daily habit by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (e.g., slow breathing, gratitude, light exposure). Contact your Client Advocate to learn more or read about our Sleep and Stress test.
Rethink Aging: Mindset Matters
Chip Conley, founder of the Modern Elder Academy, shared that your mindset about aging can extend your life by up to 7 years. Those who embrace aging as a time of purpose, reinvention, and contribution tend to live longer and feel better.
Take home: Reframe midlife as a time of growth, not decline. Cultivate purpose, community, and optimism.
Sleep Is Non-Negotiable
Dr. Jamie Zeitzer reminded us that sleep is vital to aging, alongside nutrition and exercise. Aging changes sleep patterns, so intentional strategies are needed to maintain deep, restorative sleep.
Take home: Limit evening light exposure, maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule, and avoid stimulants late in the day.
Meditation and Non-Sleep Deep Rest Can Be Beneficial
Dr. Feby Maria Puravath-Manikat is currently a practicing sleep medicine physician. She focused on the powerful effects of meditation on lifestyle/longevity. She led the entire audience through a meditation practice and summarized research documenting the benefits of rest and recovery
Take home: For those experiencing stress or looking to start managing their well-being, schedule a session with one of our meditation experts to learn techniques to promote relaxation and improve focus.
Protect Brain Health Proactively
Dr. Frank Longo, from the Stanford Memory Clinic, emphasized the importance of supporting your cognitive health before decline begins.
Take home: Move daily, nourish your brain, sleep deeply, and stay mentally and socially active.
Temperature Impacts Mood and Energy
Dr Ashley Mason's research suggests that core body temperature regulation affects focus, mood, resilience, and reduces moderate depression.
Take home: Use hot and cold exposure wisely—cold showers, sauna use, or contrast therapy may support emotional balance.
Food Should Be Personal and Functional
In a standout session featuring Apeiron Life's Jae Berman, RD, nutrition experts emphasized the need for individualized nutrition strategies to optimize energy, gut health, metabolic function, and longevity.
Take home: Focus on whole foods, minimize ultra-processed ingredients, and work with an expert to tailor your nutrition to your needs.
Muscle is Medicine
Our Chief Scientist & High-Performance Director, David Martin, wants to emphasize the importance of this panel's central message that strength training is critical after age 40. It prevents sarcopenia, reduces fall risk, supports metabolism, and helps maintain independence. It's never too late to start.
Take home: Prioritize resistance training 2–3 times per week. Focus on functional movements and progressive overload.
The science of healthy aging is rapidly evolving, and the best news is that you have more control than ever over your healthspan. At Apeiron Life, we're excited to help you integrate these practices into your personalized longevity strategy.
Speak to your Client Advocate for more information.
Comments