The USA is about to have a sizable jump in life expectancy and will have more—

Unlocking the Secrets to a Longer, Healthier Life: The Imperative of Lifestyle Choices MAHA is starting already in the data just released

The USA is about to have a sizable jump in life expectancy and will have more—

Unlocking the Secrets to a Longer, Healthier Life: The Imperative of Lifestyle Choices MAHA is starting already in the data just released

People have bad-mouthed and bad-written about the US’s health system because we trail in life-expectancy. But the trailing data (that is how life expectancy is calculated, in retrospect) is about to change, sizably and put us back into the leadership category. Does that mean our health system can’t be improved..no . It really highlights what RK, Jr and my writing partner Dr Oz have been saying: lifestyle changes are and can make a huge difference in how long and well each lives, and if we MAHA, we will save over 2 trillion dollars in the next decade.

Yes, we are in for a jump in life expectancy due to what has occurred: In a world where scientific advances continuously redefine the boundaries of what is possible, this week, my attention was captured by 3 pivotal articles that, when examined collectively, reveal profound insights into how lifestyle choices directly impact our life expectancy and overall well-being.

The first article reports a significant decline in overdose deaths—nearly 27% according to recent CDC data. This is a promising development, shedding light on the critical role that reducing opioid and alcohol abuse plays in enhancing public health. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm

The second article illustrates a stark reality: an older biological age, resulting from neglecting to maintain a youthful physiological state, significantly heightens the risk of dementia

(Neurology. 2025;doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000207503).

Finally, the third article highlights the insidious nature of sedentary behavior, revealing that even those who engage in regular physical activity are not immune to its neurodegenerative effects if they spend excessive time sitting (like most of us docs do). https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70157

The connection among these articles is undeniable. They collectively underscore an essential truth: our life expectancy and health are profoundly influenced by our daily choices. Imagine a future where the United States, often criticized for its healthcare system, reclaims its position at the top of global life expectancy rankings. How could this be achieved? By tackling obesity and its repercussions through interventions like GLP-1 drugs, made affordable, and simultaneously reducing opioid and alcohol-related deaths (GLP-1’s and GIP’s do that too), we could indeed make significant strides.

It's crucial to recognize that the declining life expectancy in the U.S. over the past decade is largely attributed to opioid-related deaths and the consequences of obesity, particularly in the Midwest and Southern states. By addressing these issues head-on (thank you MAHA), we could transform our healthcare landscape, which, despite its challenges, remains exceptional in managing acute medical challenges.

Yet, to truly foster a healthier nation, we must empower individuals to embrace lifestyle changes. The articles on sedentary behavior and cognitive decline emphasize the importance of an active lifestyle, a nutritious diet, stress management, and some of the other 36 brain-boosting choices we've explored in previous discussions.

Here's the formula for extending life expectancy by over 12 years in the U.S.: engage in physical activity—10,000 step-equivalents daily, 20 minutes of resistance training twice a week, 20 minutes of cardio thrice weekly, and 20 jumps twice a day on a hard surface. Pair this with avoiding the five food felons (simple sugars, added syrups, stripped carbs, red and processed red meat, and fried food) and choosing only foods you love that love you back, and enhancing your social connections and sense of purpose. These achievable choices can collectively transform our nation's health.

But we don't stop there. With the advent of the Great Age Reboot, GLP-1s, GIPs, and promising longevity breakthroughs like seno-rejuvenators, therapeutic plasma exchange and telomerase extenders, that we discussed last week, we're on the brink of a revolution so that 90 can really be the new 40, extending productive and fulfilling lives, beyond belief. I look forward to functioning as if 40 when my clock strikes 90. Curiosity and passion plus a great posse are driving me.

As we stand on the precipice of these groundbreaking advancements, let us commit to making America healthy again. I know you won’t be surprised by the life expectancy numbers that will come out. By embracing lifestyle changes and leveraging scientific innovations, we can unlock a future brimming with vitality and longevity. Thank you for joining me on this journey toward a healthier, more vibrant life.

Thanks for reading, Mike Roizen MD