In this episode of The Mindful Journey by Healthy Mind by Avik, host Sana sits down with Judy Gaman, CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas, award winning author and host of the Stay Young America podcast, to talk about what real longevity actually looks like in everyday life.  Judy shares what she learned from interviewing and befriending centenarians, including Lucille Fleming, and how their habits, mindset and faith created long lives that were not just long on paper but rich in meaning. They unpack the difference between lifespan and healthspan, why simplicity and purpose beat endless biohacks, and how overworking is a legit health risk, not a badge of honor. You will hear a grounded take on epigenetics, sleep, food, social connection and burnout. This conversation is not about chasing immortality or fighting wrinkles. It is about becoming intentional with how you eat, move, rest and relate so that your later years still feel like your life and not just time spent in survival mode. This is a straight talk roadmap for anyone who wants to live longer without turning longevity into a fear based project. About the guest: Judy Gaman is the CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas, a concierge and executive health practice that serves leaders from around the world. judygaman+1 She is an award winning author, national media health expert and host of the Stay Young America podcast, where she translates complex medical research into practical strategies for better living. judygaman+1 Her books include “Age to Perfection. How to Thrive to 100, Happy, Healthy, and Wise” and “Love, Life, and Lucille. Lessons Learned from a Centenarian,” which chronicles her friendship with 100 plus year old Lucille Fleming and the life changing wisdom that came from it. Women of Wisdom Magazine+1 Judy’s work sits at the intersection of medicine, lifestyle and real human behavior, with a focus on increasing healthspan, not just adding years. Key takeaways: Healthspan over lifespanLong life without vitality is not the flex. Real longevity is about staying mobile, clear headed and engaged so that extra years are actually lived, not just counted. Faith and a higher power show up again and againEvery centenarian Judy interviewed believed in a higher power and carried a sense that they did not hold the whole world on their shoulders. That reduced emotional load matters for nervous system health and long term resilience. Social connection is a non negotiable longevity habitThe people who thrive past 100 invest in friendships, especially with younger people, so their world does not shrink to funerals and isolation. Longevity without community just becomes a slow slide into loneliness. Movement beats aesthetic obsessionCentenarians did not talk about six packs or Botox. They talked about bending, lifting, walking and keeping their “machine oiled.” Functional daily movement and strength are more critical than how you look in the mirror. Epigenetics gives you more control than you thinkGenetics load the gun, but lifestyle and environment pull the trigger. Sleep, anti inflammatory nutrition, low toxin exposure and emotional regulation can reduce the risk that genetic predispositions like dementia actually switch on. silveredgefitness.com Overwork is a legit health riskJudy calls out workaholism as a longevity killer. Chronic overwork, poor sleep and constant stress push the body toward disease. Longevity requires rest, boundaries and scheduled recovery, not just productivity. Ultra rigid “longevity projects” can backfireWhen tracking, supplements and devices become a fear driven obsession, they raise stress and shrink social life. Tools should give information, not run your life or replace human connection. A simple starter pack for living longer and betterDrop artificial sweeteners, cut ultra processed foods, prioritize fruits, vegetables and moderate meat intake, protect eight hours of sleep and build real friendships. These basics beat most e