Don't Just Live Longer—Live Better

Longevity: What is it? A Discussion with Attilio Cavezzi

Dont Just Live Longer—Live Better

Why the Secrets to Longevity Arent What You Think

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Attilio Cavezzi, a renowned expert in vein health and longevity, for my podcast. As a vascular surgeon myself, I've always focused on the nuts and bolts of patient health, but Attilio's insights into what truly drives longevity were eye-opening. We covered everything from diet and supplements to stress and sleep, but what surprised me most was his unconventional advice on a glass of red wine. It’s not what you think.

Longevity medicine, Attilio explains, isn't just about extending lifespan; it’s about extending healthspan. The goal is not just to live longer, but to live healthier for longer, free from the chronic degenerative diseases so many of us face as we age.

The Problem With Modern Medicine

According to Attilio, a staggering 75% of our ageing process and risk of chronic disease is influenced by epigenetics—our environment, lifestyle, and nutrition—not our genes. This puts the power of healthy ageing directly in our hands. Yet, he pointed out that many medical practices are built on flawed research. For instance, he cited a Cochrane review that found more than nine out of 10 healthcare interventions lack high-quality evidence.

Attilio also highlighted a shocking statistic: medical error is the third leading cause of death worldwide. This isn't a criticism of doctors, but an indictment of a system that often treats symptoms rather than the root causes of disease. We’ve managed to prolong average life expectancy, but we’ve done so at the cost of healthspan, leading to higher rates of conditions like diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s in our later years.

The Unexpected Key to Longevity

While diet and exercise are important, Attilio revealed that the most significant factor in longevity and overall health is our psychophysical resilience—our ability to adapt to stress. He argues that chronic, low-grade stress is the "secret killer," leading to inflammation and cellular ageing.

He shared a powerful statistic: a meta-analysis of 165 articles showed that people with lower resilience had a 125% higher risk of cancer. Another study involving 20 million participants attributed approximately 439,000 deaths per year in the USA to childhood adversity and low resilience. This suggests that our emotional and psychological state is a far more potent determinant of our health than many of us realise.

This concept extends to our thoughts and emotions. Attilio shared the philosophy of psychoneuroendocrinology, which studies the deep connection between our mind, body, and biology. Your thoughts directly influence your genes. As he put it, "we are what we think." For me, a doctor who has spent my career focused on the physical, this was a revolutionary idea.

Practical Steps for a Healthier Life

So, what can we do? Attilio’s advice isn’t about dramatic changes, but about finding a healthier balance.

• Intermittent Fasting: He highlighted the benefits of fasting for at least 16 hours a day, a few times a week. This boosts autophagy, a process where your body cleans out old cells, and improves insulin sensitivity.
• Melatonin: Attilio is a huge proponent of melatonin, calling it "the most important anti-ageing molecule." He takes 10mg every night, as it not only helps with sleep but also plays a key role in mitochondrial health and reducing inflammation.
• Sunlight and Sleep: He emphasised the importance of sunlight exposure during the day to regulate our internal clock and avoiding blue light at night to improve sleep quality. He cited a study showing the lowest risk of mortality is associated with 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
• The Power of Pleasure: And what about the glass of red wine? Attilio believes that pleasure is a core component of a healthy life. A single glass of red wine is perfectly acceptable—not just for the polyphenols, but for the sheer happiness it brings.

Attilio’s holistic approach is a powerful reminder that true health is about more than just physical measures. It’s about cultivating a resilient mind, fostering a positive outlook, and enjoying life.

To hear Attilio’s full presentation and our complete conversation, you can watch the podcast on my YouTube channel https://youtu.be/z9zT044-FPs

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views and opinions expressed by Dr. Attilio Cavezzi and Dr Haroun are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company.