Social bonds may be the most overlooked key to longevity. In this episode, Ken Stern, author of Healthy to 100, explains how connection, purpose, and community can profoundly extend healthspan.

Drawing on insights from Japan, Singapore, Korea, Spain, and Italy, he reveals how cultures that value older adults achieve healthier, longer lives. He contrasts this approach with the U.S., where technology-driven isolation and ageist norms undermine health and life expectancy. Intergenerational programs, lifelong learning, and community design that fosters everyday contact offer practical remedies for urban, high-stress environments.

In this conversation with Peter Bowes, Stern challenges the “three-stage life” model and reframes later years as a period for contribution rather than decline.

Ken Stern is the founder of The Longevity Project and author of “Healthy to 100: Lessons from the World’s Healthiest Countries.” A former CEO of National Public Radio, he focuses on reimagining work, retirement, and social connection for healthier, longer lives.

Time-line

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The Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.

Static stretching is a crucial, often skipped step in post-workout recovery, with benefits that extend beyond cooling down. In this episode of our 20-part series, Move for Life, Peter Bowes is joined by Ageless Workout coaches, Nate Wilkins and Shebah Carfagna, to explore how holding stretches can ease muscle tension, support flexibility, and mitigate injury risk.

They suggest whole-body routines, prioritizing major muscle groups like hamstrings and hips significantly aid everyday health and wellbeing. Nate highlights static stretching as a daily “reset,” while Shebah underscores mindset and time management as barriers and solutions. Together, they offer practical ways to build small, consistent habits that enhance longevity.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or modifying any fitness program.

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This podcast is supported by affiliate arrangements with a select number of companies. We have arranged discounts on certain products and receive a small commission on sales. The income helps to cover production costs and ensures that our interviews remain free for all to listen.

Visit our SHOP for more details:
https://healthspan-media.com/live-long-podcast/shop/

Support the show

The Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.

Dynamic stretching is an essential warm-up tool, priming muscles and joints for movement by improving mobility, increasing blood flow, and preparing the body for safer, more effective exercise

Ageless Workout trainers Nate Wilkins and Shebah Carfagna explain how warming up reduces injury risk - especially for older adults - while enhancing range of motion and exercise quality. In conversation with Peter Bowes, they highlight the benefits of directional movement and why aging bodies often need longer, more deliberate warm-ups.

They note that short daily bouts of dynamic movement help maintain balance, gait, and functional mobility, countering stiffness caused by sedentary routines. Their core message: a well-structured warm-up primes both body and mind, improving performance and protecting long-term health.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or modifying any fitness program.

This is the latest in our 20-part series, Move for Life.

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This podcast is supported by affiliate arrangements with a select number of companies. We have arranged discounts on certain products and receive a small commission on sales. The income helps to cover production costs and ensures that our interviews remain free for all to listen.

Visit our SHOP for more details:
https://healthspan-media.com/live-long-podcast/shop/

Support the show

The Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.