The desire for a pain-free, vital and long, healthy life is driving the current longevity trend. Andreas Böger, Chief Physician at the Pain Center of the Vitos Orthopedic Clinic Kassel, emphasizes that a large part of the aging process can be influenced by individual lifestyle habits.

With increasing age, complaints such as pain, limited mobility and declining mental performance increase. Nutrition and exercise play a central role in this. Anti-inflammatory foods, low in sugar, lots of vegetables and good fats reduce pain and support the body. Highly processed products and physical inactivity, on the other hand, have a negative effect.

Exercise is considered an essential factor against muscle loss, sticky fascia and a lack of anti-inflammatory messenger substances. Strength, endurance and coordination training help with this. The decisive factor is an activity that is enjoyable and can be easily integrated into everyday life, such as cycling, Qi Gong, karate or dancing.

New stimulation, social contact and lifelong learning are important for mental fitness. The psyche also influences aging: depression promotes inflammation and pain. Psychotherapeutic approaches are therefore relevant.

Genes play a role, but a healthy lifestyle is more important. The years between 40 and 50 in particular offer good opportunities to change course. However, it’s never too late to start making changes.

Pain medicine contributes to quality of life by activating patients. The Kassel Active Program combines classical medicine with osteopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, physiotherapy and exercise therapy, nutritional counseling, micronutrients, psychological methods and sleep optimization.

Böger sees potential in regenerative medicine, which stimulates the body’s own repair processes. These include special acupuncture, bioelectrical axomera therapy and autologous blood treatments to reduce inflammation and promote regeneration.

According to Böger, the Blue Zones in Japan, Italy, Greece and Costa Rica provide examples of healthy aging. There, people live longer than average thanks to a lot of exercise, fresh nutrition, strong social ties, low stress and meaningful tasks into old age.

The longevity trend is sometimes perceived as luxury medicine, but the most important measures are accessible and implementable for everyone. However, they should not create additional pressure to perform.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.