Strategies for Longer, Healthier Lives
Join the Buck Institute–in person or via Zoom–on May 6 at 11am PT for the seminar, “Scientific Wellness to Unlock Longer, Healthier Lives.” Through big data, AI, and other advanced tools, Dr. Nathan Price is developing tailored strategies to support individual longevity. Follow the link below to register for the event.
Grey Matters 4.14.26
Hello Friend,
First, thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Sleep Poll. As you know, sleep has come under intense focus lately—arguably becoming today’s wellness obsession, rivaling even daily protein intake.
While this attention is warranted—quality sleep is strongly linked to longevity and reduced cognitive decline—there’s an important paradox: thinking too much about sleep can actually make it worse.
Get a Dog, Live Longer?
Studies show that having a pet, particularly dogs, can lead to longer, healthier (and, of course, happier) lives. Some thoughts as to the reason: increasing physical activity, improving mental well-being, and supporting social connection.
Grey Matters 3.11.26
Hello Friend,
In our last issue, we explored the Physical and Digital layers of today’s sleep stack.
Now we turn to the categories that generate the most discussion—and occasionally, the most controversy:
Drugs & Supplements
Mental & Viral Hacks
You may recall that Part One focused on environment and awareness. Here, in Part Two, we explore biology and psychology.
Read on to discover what we observed….
[Geritas content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.]
Sleep Is Not a Luxury
Research shows it is critical to brain health, and one of the most powerful pillars of aging well. Read more about the importance of quality sleep and how to achieve it in our newsletter “Grey Matters.” And, please take our Sleep Poll (link embedded in newsletter)!
Grey Matters 2.27.26
Hello Friend,
Remember the phrase, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”—also the title of a 1976 song by Warren Zevon? It captured a certain “live fast” ethos, where work (or play) routinely eclipsed rest. For a time, that mindset signaled ambition and edge.
Today, we know better. Sleep is not a luxury. It is a biological necessity—and one of the most powerful (and underrated) levers in aging well….
[Geritas content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.]
Coffee’s Perks Extend Beyond Boosting Energy
A rigorous study, conducted over the course of more than 40 years and including nearly 132,000 participants, found that coffee may reduce the risk of developing dementia. The fine print: the coffee (or tea) must be caffeinated and consumed in moderation, meaning two to three cups daily.
Redefining Old Age
As Time magazine suggested on the cover of its recent Longevity issue, we are in an era of a new old age. Lifespans have changed dramatically over the past several decades, and with that, newer generations of elders have emerged that are far more productive and active than past populations. Follow the link below to read more about the emerging trends and implications of the new old age.
What We’re Reading
In “Making the Best of What’s Left,” Judith Viorst, 94, offers her perspective and that of fellow “oldsters” on making meaning later in life. Viorst purposefully used the term “making meaning” rather than “finding meaning” as she believes we “…need to create our own personal reason for being.” Her most thoughtful advice? Connect with new people, ask for and offer help, and don’t collect hurt feelings.
Train Your Body—and Your Brain
According to a recent analysis of nearly 4,500 adults aged 60 and older, published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, five types of exercise were shown to improve cognitive function. The activity categories included resistance training, aerobic exercise, high-intensity interval training, mind–body practices such as Tai Chi and yoga, and hybrid routines that combine multiple approaches. Among them, resistance training emerged as the most effective in supporting global brain health, including memory and attention. Notably, the study found that strength training delivered measurable cognitive benefits with just two 45–60 minute sessions per week over a three-month period.
Take the Longevity Quiz!
Experts at the Mayo Clinic developed the “Mini Eating Assessment Tool” to determine what comprises a healthy diet. Follow the link below to take the quiz and see if your food choices support wellness and longevity.
Dessert Doesn’t Hurt!
Join Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, author of the newly released book, “Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life,” for an honest and refreshing discussion on what really matters for living better and longer. The conversation will take place, January 7th @ 7:30pm ET, in person at the 92nd Street Y, New York, and online. Follow the link below for more information and to register.
Grey Matters 12.17.25
Hello Friend,
December is here, and with it, the cusp of a new year. While many people feel compelled to draft resolutions, we’re taking a different approach and embracing the concept of misogi (pronounced mee-soh-gee). Originally a Shinto purification practice involving cold-water immersion, misogi has evolved into a modern challenge: a demanding physical or mental undertaking designed to push boundaries and reveal resilience. It is meant to be a personal and year-defining quest….
Advice From a Super-Ager
What’s Lloyd Kahn’s secret to an active and fulfilling life at age 90? He says, “Moving is so necessary as you get older.” And, also, “admit when you’re wrong, get out of your comfort zone, and don’t focus on regrets.” Follow the link below to read more about Kahn and his adventurous approach to living.
Living a Longer, Healthier Life
The 4th annual Longevity Summit, “The Future of Medicine: Eliminating Diseases of Aging,” is taking place December 9-10 at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA. Speakers will be sharing advancements in the longevity field, with representatives from biotech companies, hospitals, investment firms, and academic institutions. The program is both in-person and online. Learn more and register by following the link below.
Alzheimer's Affects 50M to 400M Worldwide But a Recent Study Offers Hope
The science journal Nature published research recently that shows a strong connection between lithium loss and Alzheimer's. When lithium—which occurs naturally in the brain—becomes depleted, it accelerates the formation of amyloid-beta plaques and structures and gives way to inflammatory cells in the brain. But researchers found that the use of lithium orotate helped reverse disease-related effects and restore memory function. Read what Harvard Medical School has to say about the subject.
The Emerging Science of Healthspan
Join Mount Sinai medical experts for an online conversation on “Protocols for Living Better, Not Just Longer: The Science Behind Longevity and Healthspan.” Part of 92NY’s Spark Your Health Talk Series, the program will take place November 5th at 7pm ET. Read more about the virtual event and register by following the link below.
Grey Matters 10.29.25
Hello Friend,
Happy Halloween to those who observe. Okay, who’s not dressing up as a member of the Louvre heist crew? And with that, welcome to the inaugural edition of our newsletter, Grey Matters! First, thank you for subscribing and joining Geritas….
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
In 2023, a former U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic, noting that social connection is as critical to good health and longevity as exercise and nutrition. While loneliness is most often associated with older adults, the epidemic impacts people of all ages. San Francisco’s “Meet Six Neighbors,” part of a statewide initiative to strengthen social networks, challenges individuals to connect with six nearby neighbors. It’s an idea that can be implemented in any and every neighborhood, and across all age groups. A focus on intergenerational friendships would be great, too. Read more about the program in the SF Chron.