65. The Science of Living Longer: Healthspan, Longevity & Dementia Prevention with Miles Hassell MD & Filmmaker David Donnelly

Can the choices you make today help you live a longer, healthier life? In this episode of Walk Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD sits down with filmmaker David Donnelly, director of the documentary Forever Young, to explore the science of healthy aging, longevity, and healthspan. Together they separate evidence-based research from hype, discussing why lifestyle habits still matter more than the latest supplement trends. They examine the growing evidence behind exercise, nutrition, sleep, purpose, social connection, and the surprising impact of excessive screen time on brain health. The conversation also explores exciting advances in longevity research while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking when evaluating new health claims. Whether you're interested in preventing chronic disease, reducing your dementia risk, or simply improving your quality of life as you age, this episode offers practical insights grounded in science. Key Takeaways Why healthspan matters just as much as lifespan How lifestyle choices influence aging more than most people realize The importance of social connection for brain and overall health Why critical thinking is essential when evaluating longevity supplements and trends How excessive screen time may affect cognitive health and purpose What current longevity research is revealing about the future of medicine Practical habits you can start today to improve your long-term health Chapters 00:00 Why Healthspan Matters More Than Lifespan 01:54 The Science Behind the Forever Young Documentary 06:14 Longevity Myths, Supplements & Critical Thinking 09:33 Lifestyle vs. Genetics: What Really Determines Healthy Aging? 12:20 Screen Time, Social Connection & Dementia Risk 22:28 Processed Foods, Exercise & Everyday Habits for Longevity 30:23 Blue Zones, Purpose & Living Well as You Age 37:17 Digital Detox, Meaning & Building a Healthier Future 41:25 Where to Watch Forever Young & Final Takeaways Do you have a health or nutrition question for Dr. Hassell? Reach out to us: Web: GreatMed.org Call/Text: 503-773-0770 Email: [email protected] Mail: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273, Portland, OR 97229 This podcast is fully funded by our generous listeners. Support our mission at GreatMed.org/donate (EIN: 88-326-7056) Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM More on the Forever Young Film: Apple — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/forever-young/umc.cmc.4t1561uviumw4ofcri0ufql7v Website — https://www.foreveryoung.film/ Substack — https://foreveryoungfilm.substack.com/ Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/foreveryoungdoc X — https://x.com/theagingdoc FB — https://www.facebook.com/people/Forever-Young-Film/61572955294447/ YT — https://www.youtube.com/@ForeverYoung-Film Film Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT2V-USKm6g #Sunlight #Longevity #HealthPodcast #LifestyleMedicine #DrMilesHassell #HeartHealth #MentalHealth #Foreveryoung #SunExposure #Wellness #SleepHealth #BoneHealth #PreventiveHealth #HealthyLiving #WalkDontRunToTheDoctor