According to author, physician, and speaker Dr. Michael Greger ’95, some of the effects of aging can be avoided by making intentional positive choices. In his new book, How not to get old, Greger details the science underlying chronic disease and aging and recommends cost-effective solutions.
Greger visited campus on March 26 to speak about his new book and discuss the benefits of a plant-based diet. The event was hosted by Cornell University Animal Conservation Scholars, a student organization focused on animal rights, environmental sustainability, public health, and social justice.
According to club president Lily Smith ’26, A$AP invited Greger to help educate the public about plant-based diets and lifestyles. During his hour-long talk, Greger analyzed the science behind aging and discussed steps to minimize the risk of age-related diseases.
Drawing inspiration from the world’s five blue zones (geographic regions with unusually high life expectancies), Greger emphasizes the importance of building lifelong positive habits to optimize aging outcomes. I emphasized. Greger recommended several techniques, from homemade serums to an unprocessed, plant-based diet.
Greger emphasizes the importance of making positive choices, such as getting enough sleep and limiting sun exposure, even for young people who may misunderstand aging as something distant and unrelated. Emphasized gender.
“[Greger] Showed students the actions they should take now [while] It also appeals to an older audience,” Smith said.
During the Q&A portion of Gregor’s talk, the audience, which ranged from students to retirees, sought expert clarification on aging-related advice popular in online health communities, such as drinking milk.
The link between milk and aging may be due to galactose, a sugar produced by the breakdown of lactose, another sugar found in milk, Greger said.
“Milk consumption is associated with increased all-cause mortality,” Greger said. “[Galactose] Accelerates aging in laboratory animals. ”
After four years of following a plant-based diet, Smith found herself leaving the company armed with new information.
“I was surprised at how many [plant-based eating] Affects skin, menopause, and brain health [and] cardiovascular health,” Smith said.
Maggie Walsh can be contacted at: [email protected].
