342 ‒ Aging well: Peter shares strategies for improving longevity with residents at senior living
In this special episode of The Drive, Peter joins a unique conversation inspired by his daughter’s volunteer experience at a senior …
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February 16, 2026
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We discuss:
0:01:10 – Peter’s definition of longevity
0:04:33 – Why it’s never too late to invest in your longevity
0:06:51 – The importance of adding “life to years” rather than just “years to life”
0:08:32 – The "four horsemen"—heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic conditions
0:10:58 – Advice for those managing chronic diseases later in life
0:13:15 – Why balance declines and falls become increasingly common with age, and how to prevent them
0:18:38 – Why strength training is essential (and effective) for older adults
0:21:20 – The five tools in Peter’s longevity toolkit
0:22:41 – Practical ways older adults can safely begin exercising despite physical limitations or health issues
0:24:43 – Principles of good nutrition, and the importance of adequate protein intake
0:28:27 – The importance of sleep for cognitive health, and effective sleep-improvement strategies for seniors
0:33:33 – How emotional health, social connections, and a sense of purpose significantly impact quality of life and longevity
0:35:53 – Why Peter decided to focus his work on longevity
0:37:05 – Protein intake recommendations should be based on ideal body weight (not current weight)
0:37:44 – The potential of klotho as a therapy for improving cognitive function and combating aging-related cognitive decline
0:39:17 – The best types of protein supplements to consider
0:40:51 – The APOE gene's influence on Alzheimer's disease risk, and why everyone should proactively address brain health, regardless of genetics
0:43:27 – How falls can accelerate cognitive decline, and the importance of staying physically and mentally active
Just turned 83 last week, and I do pushups, hill sprints, box jumps, powerlifting, cage fighting, parkour, sumo wrestling, break dancing, and power slap. Couldn’t have done it without your guidance🙏
His daughter has great arms ! You go girl, great questions
He's spot on about the exercise but he's wrong about the protein 😢
Living 'alone' can be sooooooo satisfying! You are never alone when you are with your best friend >> Yourself
And The Reason I Mentioned This Is Because I’m-69-Year’s Old And Never Really Needed A Doctor Until Approx 2010 Because Of Blood Clotting And I’m Now A Former Independent One Truck Owner Of 50 ish Year’s And Needed A Hip Replacement -2-Year’s Ago And Because Of Complications With The Thinner’s Immediately After The Hip I Went Into H.I.T That Then Went To D.I.C. And Had To Have My Right Leg Amputated…I’m Just Saying This Because…Traditional … Needs To Change And Teach How To Start With Proper Diet 1) No Processed 2)Simply 3)No Sugar And Eat The Way Great Grandpa And Great Grandma … Did It … Grandpa Caught It And Grandma Grew It … Again With Love Be Well … From North Jersey .
I Say … I Was Hoping You And Your Adorable Daughter … Was Going To Ba A Doctor Of Cause … Just Saying With Love . From North Jersey. Be Well .
Unfortunately my brother died at 48 with a heart attack and he did everything right except getting off of his cholesterol meds. He wanted to do it naturally. He did go back on it but maybe it was too late. He had a blocked carotid artery. He died running on his treadmill and he was alone.
Thanks for super beautiful wisdom
Olivia is an amazing interviewer, Dr. Attia! I'm sure you and your wife are so proud of her. Great job!
What a beautiful well spoken daughter you have! I love this episode! I am 60 and feel like 40 and have been on bio-identical hormones for over 20 years. I recently started training harder since I am getting my knee replaced this December. I've lost 24 lbs and plan on losing another 10 to feel even better. I figure the lighter and stronger I am the easier my recovery will be. I upped my protein intake and also take Creatine, fish oil, magnesium, and NAD. Am I missing anything else I should be taking? I don't take any medications and think I'm doing well for my age. I hope my knee replacement will get me back to doing what I love, chasing my 4 grandkiddos!
I am in my 60’s and I certainly found the info to be most useful
Thank you Dr. Attia. Olivia what a wonderful way to help our seniors.
I read his book and followed him for years and he is brilliant, but what he doesn’t take into account with older people is that although resistance training is really important, by the time you reach your 60s which he hasn’t obviously, your joints are shot in so many people and that resistance training becomes difficult and painful. Arthritis kicks in.
Peter!! Congratulations! For your daughter!!!
Great questions and insightful.
Joint replacement put you at risk for prosthetic joint infections. I had one 3 years post surgery concurrent with Covid and I’m still paying the consequences of the two surgeries protocol and sedentary life while my leg was immobilized and non weight bearing.
Samples of a daily food for proper protein intake.
Yes, his daughter's great and does a fantastic job. Yes, their relationship looks like it's wonderful. But I also want to acknowledge how GREAT the INFORMATION in this conversation is. Just really, really good.
❤❤
Peter Attia:
You look great! You give the very helpful information about your areas of expertise. I have learned much of what you have learned. I’m 80 yrs old. Weights I’m now going to go more. Thanks.
I saw your podcast with skin doctors. I believe you can see the big picture. Big questions with their info and why. Yes! All things in moderation.
When’s the best time to plant an oak tree?
200 years ago.
When’s the second best time?
Now
Falling
Engaging with the notion of strength training as we age resonates deeply; it is crucial for maintaining not only our physical mobility but also the mental clarity that underpins our independence. How can we best design a strength training routine that accommodates existing limitations while still being effective?
I often think about how important it is to stay connected and active as we age, and it's heartening to know that simple conversations can inspire us to take care of ourselves better. Even small steps toward a healthier lifestyle can lead to a fuller, more joyful life.
Great interview, well done daughter and dad!!!
Excellent video. Can you make a podcast focusing on young children focusing on the significance of diet or eating clean .