Heart disease remains the number killer of people over 50.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart disease remains the leading cause of death for individuals over 50 years old worldwide, closely followed by cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. Recently, Dr. Peter Attia, a renowned longevity specialist and former cancer surgeon, released a book titled "Outlive ," where he identifies these diseases as the leading causes of death.
However, Dr. Attia also includes Alzheimer's disease as one of the top four diseases. His list consists of atherosclerotic disease (which includes cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases), cancer, neurodegenerative disease (with Alzheimer's being the most prevalent), and foundational disease (a spectrum that includes hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes).
Although we have made significant progress in developing medicine to treat these diseases and extend our lifespan, the quality of our lives has not necessarily improved. While we may be living longer, we may not necessarily be living healthier. Dr. Attia's book aims to address this issue by focusing on preventative measures that promote healthy living and longevity.
One of the most accessible and effective ways to improve our quality of life and increase our lifespan is through exercise. Dr. Attia emphasizes the importance of incorporating exercise into our daily routines, whether it be through walking, gym workouts, cycling, yoga, or Pilates.
If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Attia's perspective and recommendations on how to improve your health and quality of life, I highly recommend reading his book and tuning into his podcast, The Drive.