Neurologist: Focus on Quality of Life, Not Just Longevity
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
Interview
Sources not specified
Context piece
- Neurologist Conrado Estol emphasizes a shift from merely extending lifespan to improving its quality, especially for those under 50.
- He advocates for a preventive mindset, highlighting seven key habits for healthy longevity: stress control, social connection, sleep, no smoking, moderate alcohol, healthy nutrition, and exercise.
- Estol challenges the traditional concept of aging, urging people to remain active and purposeful throughout their later years, regardless of chronological age.
Neurologist Conrado Estol asserts that society is undergoing a historical shift in human life expectancy, necessitating a focus on the quality of life rather than just its duration. He advises individuals under 50 to adopt a preventive approach, as reaching 90 or 100 years in good physical and cognitive health is achievable through consistent well-being practices starting early.
If you cannot control anxiety with habits, you must consult a professional; there is no need to fear medication when properly prescribed.
Estol critiques the conventional notion of old age, suggesting it should become obsolete given current biological realities. He points out that two-thirds of people currently spend their final decade of life in poor health, a period he terms "the lost decade." To counteract this, the neurologist stresses that achieving a full and healthy longevity hinges not on quick fixes but on the systematic adoption of seven fundamental healthy habits.
"In the last 10 years, this concept of life expectancy is starting to change, and so is health expectancy," Estol noted. He believes human biology supports reaching 80 or 90 years in excellent condition if daily well-being pillars are met. These pillars include managing stress, maintaining social connections, ensuring adequate sleep, abstaining from cigarettes, moderating alcohol intake, adopting a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise.
Two-thirds of people reach and spend their last 10 years of life in poor or very poor health.
Beyond these habits, Estol underscores the importance of having a life purpose and maintaining optimism. He cautions against the stigma of early retirement and passivity, citing that many successful businesses are founded by individuals over 60. "You don't have to say, 'I'm 75, let's see what I can do, I'll watch soap operas all afternoon.' No. You have to stay active," he urged.
The seven pillars [for healthy aging] are: control stress, maintain your social connections, sleep correctly, zero cigarettes, moderate alcohol, healthy nutrition, and exercise.
Estol dismisses chronological age as a defining factor for vitality, stating, "What does the number corresponding to your chronological age matter? There are people of 30 who could be considered old, using old terms." He advocates for a mindset where age is not a barrier to activity, purpose, or a high quality of life.
You don't have to say, 'I'm 75, let's see what I can do, I'll watch soap operas all afternoon.' No. You have to stay active.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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