Podcast
Growing Older Living Younger: About longevity, wellness, healthspan,
Hosted by Dr. Gillian Lockitch · EN
Welcome to Growing Older, Living Younger, the podcast where you will discover ways to boost your metabolism, enhance your mental and physical energy, and ward off disorders we wrongly think are inevitable as we age. Hosted by Dr. Gillian Lockitch, former specialist in Medical Biochemistry, professor, researcher and international speaker, the show airs weekly every Monday. Each episode is a 30 - 45 minutes, exploring ways in which genetic and epigenetic (gene expression) science and medicine may intersect with ancient, non-western wellness practices to help you extend your health span to live younger. The show features practitioners in mental and physical health, fitness, nutrition, personal care, community, networking and entrepreneurship, to help you create your personal roadmap to aging youthfully.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
103 David Cravit and Larry Wolf. Default-Ager or Super-Ager. Which are You?
2w ago00:53:48Tap to summarizeFlashBack Friday THIS EPISODE OF GROWING OLDER LIVING YOUNGER focuses on super aging - how to help transform longer lifespan into longer healthspan via 7 A Pillars of longevity. Today's Featured Experts are David Cravit and Larry Wolf, co-authors of " SuperAging: Getting Older Without Getting Old - A Boomers Guide to living well after 65.We discuss the 7 A's of the Pillars of Superaging, how default aging has been the - well- default, for past generations and continues to be for many today. And how social, cultural, political, and economic forces oppose living younger longer.Episode Timeline0:11 Introduction to SuperAging4:04 How did the idea for the book come about?8:19 Defining default-aging and super-aging, and the forces underlying them14:11 The 7 A Pillars of Super Aging.20:10 Attitude and awareness: the two core pillars27:47 Pillars 3 to 7 of SuperAging (Accomplishment, Achievement, Autonomy, Attachment, Avoidance)30:50 Social, cultural, political, and economic drivers that oppose super aging.33:34 Insidious issues about superaging: ageism, economic fears38:50 An independent individual needs to take responsibility for their own lives.45:57 How to make sense of the tsunami of information and misinformation flooding our media platforms50: 53 Larry and David's takeaways from today's episode. Speaker Bios: David Cravit earned his BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Toronto. He is author of two previous books on the subject of aging. The New Old," which described how the Baby Boomers are reinventing aging, and "Beyond Age Rage," which examined the so-called "war of the generations" . David is an executive at ZoomerMedia, the only media company in Canada specializing in covering the "older" market. He is also a member of the Board of C.A.R.P., the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, the largest and most influential association advocating for the rights and interests of Canadians as they age.Larry Wolf has a BA in Psychology from Cornell University, and an MBA in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Larry is the founder of the Wolf Group, an international marketing communications agency with over 300 employees in seven cities throughout North America. Larry has served on a number of boards, including the National Advertising Review Board, the Huntsman program in international studies at the University of Pennsylvania, the Eye Research Institute of Canada, and has chaired the Canadian Glaucoma Research Society. His special expertise is in identifying trends and understanding how to capitalize on them. Learn more about the work of David Cravit and Larry Wolf here.Link to the book SuperAging: Getting Older Without Getting Old, https://superaging.info/about-3/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcravit/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-wolf-15a18a10/ Io get your copy of Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and The Art of Retiring Comfortably click here Email: Dr. Gill at askdrgill@gmail.com And if you have not already done so, follow, rate and review the show.
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268 Prevent Macular Degeneration and Cognitive Decline: How Essential Carotenoids Protect Your Brain and Vision with Prof. John Nolan
2w ago00:40:13Tap to summarizeWhat if essential carotenoid antioxidants you consume today, could protect your vision and cognitive functions now and in the future? In this episode, Professor John Nolan explains how specific carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin play a critical role in protecting the retina and brain from oxidative stress, a key driver of damage and age-related decline. As a leading researcher in ocular and brain nutrition, he shares ground- breaking insights from clinical trials showing how targeted supplementation can improve visual function and support cognitive performance. Listeners will learn why prevention must begin early, how to identify effective nutritional strategies, and how to take control of long-term eye and brain health to extend their healthspan.Professor John Nolan is a full professor at South East Technological University in Waterford, Ireland, where he holds the Howard Chair in Human Nutrition. He is a nutritional biochemist specializing in the role of carotenoids in vision and cognitive health. As Director of the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland he has led major international clinical trials, including the CREST studies, published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers, and is founder and chair of the International Brain and Ocular Nutrition Conference. His research focuses on targeted nutrition to prevent and manage age-related diseases such as macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease, advancing evidence-based nutritional strategies to support lifelong eye and brain health. Episode Timeline 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 04:25 – Origins of carotenoid research and macular degeneration Early work identifying nutrition as a key modifiable risk factor 09:30 – What carotenoids are and why they matter Role as antioxidants and "internal sunscreen" for the eye 13:55 – Can macular degeneration be reversed or improved Distinguishing regeneration, slowing progression, and functional improvement 17:30 – Brain and eye connection How nutrition may reactivate neural pathways and support cognition 20:27 – Challenging the current medical model Why prevention must replace late-stage intervention 25:16 – The importance of meso-zeaxanthin Why some individuals cannot convert nutrients effectively 28:37 – Supplement quality and evidence-based formulations Risks of unregulated supplements and importance of clinical validation 32:18 – Nutrition, lifestyle, and informed decision-making Why education and professional guidance are essential 33:21 – Starting early for lifelong protection "From the cradle to the dance floor" approach to nutrition 35:55 – Declining nutrient density in modern food Why diet alone may no longer be sufficient 37:18 – Wrap-up and key takeaways Connect with the research of Prof John Nolan https://profjohnnolan.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profjohnnolan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmnolan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profjohnnolan/ Upcoming Vision for Vision documentary (watch the trailer ) Calls to Action : Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch at https://www.askdrgill.com/ or email: askdrgill@gmail.com for a personal consult Download Guide to Nature's Colorful Antioxidants 2026 Subscribe to Growing Older Living Younger on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show.
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052 Dr. Helen Knaggs. Your Skin: A Window to Your Health.
3w ago00:39:31Tap to summarizeFlashback Friday: Episode 52 from Season 1 May 2022 Audrey Hepburn, a Screen Legend and a truly iconic beauty, said "The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years." I was reflecting on previous discussions I have had on ageism as I read yet another comment on beauty and aging youthfully. The debate centered around the question of whether we should accept and indeed celebrate the aging of our appearance as a reflection of the wisdom gained as we grow older, or whether, as I believe, we should do all we can to delay the wrinkling, dryness and loss of radiance that naturally accompanies aging, and endeavor to look vibrant and healthy as we age. Our appearance, the quality of our skin, hair, teeth, eyes, is as much a window to our overall as is our posture, gait and mental acuity. Choosing to ward off dull, wrinkled skin and thinning, lack-luster hair is not a question of vanity but a celebration of our inner vitality. Today's conversation brings to you an expert in the biology of skin and hair, to discuss how our outward changes of aging may reflect our inner state of health. Dr. Helen Knaggs, is the Vice President of Global Research and Development for Nu Skin. With over 30 years of experience in skin research and product development, including years spent specializing in acne research, her expertise in skin and hair biology has led to numerous publications and patents. Dr. Knaggs earned bachelor's degrees with honors in biochemistry and pharmacology, and a doctorate degree from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Leeds, England. She spent several years as a research biochemist in the dermatology department of Leeds General Infirmary where her work involved clinical and lab research, interpretation of trial results and data reporting to corporate and scientific communities. As vice president of Nu Skin Global Research and Development, she works closely with the Nu Skin Scientific Advisory Board to identify the latest research and trends in skin care for the Nu Skin brand. We discuss how lifestyle as much as inheritance affects the aging of your skin, and what you can do to preserve both the health and the beauty of your appearance from inside out and outside in. To learn more about the nutritional and skin care products that will promote your youthful aging, schedule a Living Younger Discovery call with me at askdrgill@gmail.com To discover how you can create your personal lifestyle roadmap to Growing Older Living Younger, visit www.askdrgill.com to order your copy of Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and The Art of Retiring Comfortably.
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267 Muscle, Mitochondria and the Aging Brain: The Midlife Metabolism Reset with Dr. Elizabeth Goldspink
3w ago00:36:35Tap to summarizeWhat if the fatigue, brain fog, and loss of strength many women experience after 50 are not simply hormonal, but reflect deeper shifts in metabolism, muscle, and mitochondrial function? In this insightful episode, Dr. Elizabeth Goldspink reframes midlife as a metabolic and neurological transition rather than a purely hormonal one. She explains how muscle acts as a longevity organ, how mitochondrial efficiency impacts both energy and cognition, and how targeted lifestyle and nutrition strategies can restore resilience. This empowering conversation offers practical, science-informed steps to help women take control of how they age. Dr. Elizabeth Goldspink is a naturopathic doctor, women's health researcher, and founder of Wellex. She has more than 16 years of clinical experience supporting women's hormonal, metabolic, and immune health. Dr. Goldspink is a published author in peer-reviewed medical journals and has completed advanced training in mind-body medicine at Harvard University. Her work focuses on translating complex scientific research into practical, personalized health strategies. She has helped thousands of women restore energy, resilience, and long-term well-being. Her current focus is on evidence-based supplementation and metabolic health optimization for women in midlife and beyond. Episode Timeline 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 02:30 – Midlife symptoms reframed: beyond hormones to metabolism and mitochondria 04:00 – Dr. Goldspink's personal journey from marketing professional to naturopathic medicine 06:00 – Why brain fog, fatigue, and strength loss signal deeper biological shifts 08:00 – Muscle as a longevity organ and its role in metabolic and cognitive health 11:00 – The metabolic functions of muscle and the importance of myokines 13:30 – Resistance training and why lifting weights matters for women over 50 16:00 – Nutrition fundamentals: protein intake, glycemic stability, and whole foods 19:00 – Mitochondrial health and its connection to energy and cognition 22:00 – Practical strategies to optimize mitochondria without complex protocols 25:00 – Creatine explained: benefits for muscle, brain, and aging 29:00 – Real-world recovery and rebuilding strength after health setbacks 31:00 – Brain training, lifestyle habits, and community connection 33:00 – Managing stress, social media overload, and mental resilience 35:00 – Supplement strategy after 50: what to use and what to avoid 37:30 – Common mistakes: overuse of antioxidants and low-quality supplements 40:00 – The origin of Wellex and a mission to support underserved women's health needs 43:00 – Practical daily steps to rebuild resilience and support healthy aging 45:00 – Wrap-up and key takeaways Connect with Dr. Elizabeth Goldspink Website: https://wellex.co Science-backed supplements for women's metabolic and hormonal health Information on clinical research and product formulations Call to Action Find Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and the Art of Retiring Comfortably at www.gillianlockitch.com (North America) or on Kindle Subscribe to Growing Older Living Younger on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show. Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch at https://www.askdrgill.com/ or email: askdrgill@gmail.com Download Guide to Nature's Colorful Antioxidants. 2026
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050 Dr. Paul Alan Cox: Plants, People and Culture. How Ethnobotanical Research has Changed Our Lives
4w ago00:39:35Tap to summarizeFlashback Friday Episode 50 - May 2022"Walk into any pharmacy and ask to examine a bottle of prescription medicine chosen at random. There is a one in four chance that the prescription medication you hold in your hand has an active ingredient derived from a plant. Most of these plant-derived drugs were originally discovered through the study of traditional remedies and folk knowledge of indigenous people." (M. Balick, P. Cox.) As I read this opening paragraph in the chapter on PlantsThat Heal, from the book, Plants, People and Culture: The Science of Ethnobotany by Drs. Michael Balick and Paul Cox, I thought, what better way to celebrate the 50th episode of Growing Older Living Younger, than a conversation with ethnobotanist, Dr. Paul Alan Cox, Executive Director of the Brain Chemistry Labs, whose passion for learning about indigenous cultures and searching for new medicines, has taken him around the world. Dr. Cox has worked in remote island villages and other locations including Polynesia, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, East Africa, Scandinavia, the Arabian Gulf and the Colorado Plateau. He was both a Danforth Fellow and a National Science Foundation Fellow at Harvard where he received his Ph.D. He was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize, sometimes known as the Nobel Prize of the Environment and was named one of TIME magazine's eleven "Heroes of Medicine" for his discovery of a new HIV drug candidate. His conservation foundation, Seacology, has set aside over 1.5 million acres of rain forest and coral reef in 66 countries around the world. We discuss how plant derived bioactive substances can both heal and harm, and how learning about age-old healing traditions can guide discovery of new therapeutic drugs. A comparison of villages with the highest and the lowest known rates of Alzheimer's disease and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) led to the discovery in Guam of a neurotoxin produced by cyanobacteria that accumulates in the foods in their traditional diet. Ogimi in Okinawa has no record of Alzheimer's, ALS, or Parkinson's disease, and has more women, over the age of 100, than almost anywhere in the world. At the Brain Chemistry Labs in Jackson, Wyoming, a not-for-profit research institute, studies are focused on finding new treatments for ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. You will find many more fascinating stories about plants and human in the book, Plants, People and Culture: The Science of Ethnobotany. 2nd Ed. 2021 By Michael J. Balick and Paul A. Cox. CRC Press.Brain Chemistry Labs: https://twitter.com/brain_chem_labs https://www.facebook.com/brainchemistrylabs To contact Dr. Gillian Lockitch info@askdrgill,comOrder your copy of Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and The Art of Retiring Comfortably at the Growing Older Living Younger website: www.askdrgill.com Schedule your free Living Younger Discovery call by email to askdrgill@gmail.com
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266 How Smell Impacts Memory: The Science of Olfactory Training with Jonathan Askholm
May 400:39:37Tap to summarizeWhat if one of the most powerful tools for protecting your brain health has been right under your nose all along? In this fascinating episode, Jonathan Askholm explores the science of olfaction and its direct connection to memory, emotion, and cognitive function. Drawing on emerging research and personal experience, he explains how intentional smell training may improve memory, mood, and even support healthy aging. This conversation opens a new and highly accessible pathway to brain health, reinforcing that a simple daily practice can have profound effects on how we age. Jonathan Askholm is a brain health educator and co-founder of Memorease, a company focused on olfactory training for cognitive wellness. He has a background in psychology and a passion for teaching practical strategies that support mental and emotional well-being. His work is deeply influenced by his personal experience of losing his father to dementia, which inspired his mission to help others take proactive steps toward brain health. Jonathan collaborates with experts in scent creation to develop structured olfactory training tools grounded in scientific research. He regularly delivers workshops and presentations to older adults and community groups across Canada. His current focus is on making this brain health practice, simple, accessible, and empowering for everyday use. Episode Timeline 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 02:30 – The surprising link between smell, memory, and brain health 04:00 – Jonathan's personal journey and his father's experience with dementia 07:00 – Why the sense of smell is often overlooked in modern health conversations 10:00 – The neuroscience of olfaction: direct pathways to memory and emotion 14:30 – Smell as a survival sense and its decline with age 18:00 – What is olfactory training and how it works 21:30 – The four scent categories used in research and training 24:00 – Evidence from studies: cognition, mood, and brain structure changes 27:00 – Practical applications and how to begin smell training at home 29:30 – The role of mindfulness and attention in olfactory training 32:00 – Olfactory training for anosmia and post-viral smell loss 34:00 – COVID-related smell loss and implications for brain health 36:00 – Who benefits most from olfactory training 37:00 – Wrap-up and key takeaway Connect with Jonathan Askholm Website: https://memorease.care Olfactory training kits and resources available through the website Workshops and presentations available through direct contact Call to Action Order Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and the Art of Retiring Comfortably at www.gillianlockitch.com (North America) Subscribe to Growing Older Living Younger on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show. Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch at https://www.askdrgill.com/ or email: askdrgill@gmail.com Download Guide to Nature's Colorful Antioxidants. 2026
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095 Dr. Lucinda Sykes. Sleep Well, Be Well
May 100:43:16Tap to summarizeTHIS EPISODE OF GROWING OLDER LIVING YOUNGER focuses on sleep and the ways we can achieve sufficient natural sleep. Today's Featured Expert is retired medical doctor and longtime mindfulness teacher, Dr. Lucinda Sykes, on her approach to promoting deep natural sleep We discuss the importance of natural deep sleep, what happens to our brains during the stages of sleep, the adverse effects of sleep medications, and the importance of consistent sleep habits in a sleep conducive environment. Episode Timeline:0:11 Introduction to today's episode.7:18 Why is the quality of sleep so important?11:43 What are the three stages of sleep?17:43 Approach to her clients with a sleep problem24:01 The major factors in chronic insomnia.30:47 Insomnia and sleep medication use.36:59 Key takeaways Speaker Bio:Dr. Lucinda Sykes' background includes family medicine and Jungian psychotherapy. She has Certification in Analytical Psychology from the CG Jung Institute, Zurich as well as extensive training in MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) at the U Mass Center for Mindfulness,More than 6000 patients attended medical programs of mindfulness at her Toronto clinic, Meditation for Health. When COVID ended the clinic's in-person teaching in 2020, Lucinda shifted her work online, directing her special interest in sleep and mindfulness to new coaching programs for Women 50+. Learn more about natural sleep and Dr. Sykes www.lucindasykesmd.com https://www.facebook.com/joyfulafter50 https://www.happysleepsecrets.com Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch:To discover how to reset your Aging Blueprint or kickstart your wellness, beauty and healthy aging business, schedule a call with Dr. Gillian Lockitch at askdrgill@gmail.com To get your copy of Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and The Art of Retiring Comfortably click here
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265 The Move More Method: The Science of Everyday Movement for Longevity with James D. Walter
Apr 2700:38:06Tap to summarizeWhat if the greatest threat to your independence, your brain health, and even your lifespan isn't aging itself—but the hours you spend sitting each day? In this powerful episode, Dr. Gillian Lockitch explores a transformative approach to health with Dr. James Walter: the concept of "Move More Moments." Drawing from his expertise in cardiovascular exercise physiology, Dr. Walter challenges the traditional focus on structured exercise programs. Instead, he introduces a more accessible strategy—re-engineering your day to reduce sedentary time and integrate movement into everyday life. This conversation highlights how even small, frequent bouts of movement can improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood sugar, reduce disease risk, and restore vitality. Dr. James Walter is the founder and president of the Institute for the Preservation of Health. He holds a PhD in cardiovascular exercise physiology and has spent decades developing preventive and rehabilitative cardiology programs. Driven by the early loss of his father to heart disease, Dr. Walter has dedicated his career to helping individuals take control of their health through practical lifestyle strategies. Episode Timeline 00:00 — Movement as the key to independence 02:50 — Dr. Walter's personal journey 06:30 — The problem with exercise guidelines 09:20 — A personal story of lost mobility 12:40 — Rethinking exercise 13:30 — What are Move More Moments 16:40 — Everyday movement examples 18:20 — Walking instead of sitting 20:30 — Science of small movements 23:10 — Steps and longevity 26:50 — Changing mindset and environment 28:00 — Genetics vs lifestyle 31:15 — Nutrition and prevention 34:10 — Key takeaway: move more Call to Action Find "Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracfully and the Art of Retiring Comfortably" at www.gillianlockitch.com (North America) or on Kindle Download : Ten Tips to Build A Better Body 2026. Subscribe to Growing Older Living Younger on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch at https://www.askdrgill.com/ or email: askdrgill@gmail.com to schedule a one-on-one phone or video call.
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066 Brain Health Programs to Keep Your Mind Sharp with Henry Mahncke Ph.D
Apr 2400:39:02Tap to summarizeFlashback Friday Episode 66 from 2022 "Brains at any age are capable of rewiring and changing. No one should be aging, thinking that it's all downhill from here' (Dr. Henry Mahncke). This comment on brain plasticity, made by research neuroscientist, Dr. Henry Mahncke, in Episode 10: Rewiring Your Brain, echoes in my head, whenever I reflect on the goal of Growing Older Living Younger, namely to extend our health span by preserving a healthy mind in a healthy body. My brain is a year older since that episode but I'm sure that by following my personal roadmap for aging well, my cognitive functions have not aged in parallel with my chronological age. Preserving brain health, cognitive functions and warding off dementia, is a desire that is frequently expressed when I talk to men and women during the complimentary Growing Older Living Younger Discovery call I offer. Many people are living into their 80s or 90s and have relatives or friends diagnosed with dementia. They may be aware that the prevalence of dementia is increasing dramatically. Prevalence refers to the proportion of people within a population at a given time who have a specific characteristic. Since dementia occurs more in elderly people, the more elderly people there are, the greater the number of people there will be who have dementia. But as individuals we are more concerned about individual risk. I was intrigued to read that a recent study showed that the incidence of dementia in people of European ancestry living in Europe and the USA (that is the number of new cases in a population) has actually declined an average of 13% every decade over the last 30 years. Reflecting on what could be causing this decrease in the incidence of dementia, I suspect that it reflects an increasing understanding of the effects of lifestyle management, nutrition, targeted wellness products, exercise, socialization, sleep, and. keeping mentally active. In that vein, I invited Dr. Mahncke back to Growing Older Living Younger to describe a new community based Brain Health Program that is being developed in conjunction with the YMCA of San Francisco and also to share updates on some of the studies we discussed in the earlier episode. Dr. Mahncke is the CEO of Posit Science, the leading provider of plasticity-based brain training and assessments. BrainHQ is an online and app program of plasticity-based brain training exercises to improve cognitive measures like attention, memory, processing speed and executive functions. that impact real world activities like driving, balance, gait, mood, confidence and everyday cognitive functions. To Learn More:Connect with Dr. Henry Mahncke at: www.brainhq.com - you can also download the BrainHQ App LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-mahncke-3b89072/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainhq/ Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch: askdrgill@gmail.com Order your copy of Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and The Art of Retiring Comfortably at www.gillianlockitch.com Here is how to rate and review Growing Older Living Younger on Apple podcast: Open the Podcasts app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Search for Growing Older Living Younger podcast and select it. On the show page see where it lists all the episodes and scroll down to find "Ratings & Reviews." Select "Write a Review" and rate. Hopefully you will give a 5 star rating Pick a title for your review and write your review - no longer than 300 words. Select "Send" or "Save", enter a nickname and it's done.
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264 The Posture Longevity Link: How Your Spine Shapes Your Healthspan with Dr. Mark Morningstar
Apr 2000:40:01Tap to summarizeWhat if one of the most powerful influences on your health, your hormones, and even your longevity was something you rarely think about—your posture? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Gillian Lockitch explores the profound connection between structural alignment and the biological systems that govern how we age. Joined by scoliosis specialist and spinal health expert Dr. Mark Morningstar, this conversation uncovers the science behind how chronic postural distortions—like forward head posture and slouching—can reduce lung capacity, alter nervous system balance, and disrupt stress hormone regulation. These subtle but persistent changes can contribute to fatigue, anxiety, reduced resilience, and long-term decline. This episode reframes posture from a cosmetic concern into a critical pillar of healthy aging. You will learn how spinal motion influences brain function, why breathing patterns are central to longevity, and how simple daily habits can shift your body from chronic stress into a state of balance and vitality. Dr. Mark Morningstar is a scoliosis specialist, researcher, and educator affiliated with Back Genius, a network dedicated to evidence-based, whole-body spinal care. A graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, he is triple board certified in clinical nutrition, spine care, and integrative medicine. With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Morningstar focuses on complex spinal and neurological conditions, including scoliosis and chronic pain syndromes. Episode Timeline 00:00 — Posture as a hidden driver of health 02:30 — Why posture is more than cosmetic 04:10 — Dr. Morningstar's journey into scoliosis care 09:50 — The multifactorial nature of scoliosis 12:10 — Forward head posture and breathing capacity 14:20 — Posture and stress hormones 16:00 — Autopilot vs conscious posture control 17:20 — Standing desks and movement awareness 20:30 — Vagus nerve and parasympathetic function 24:00 — Breathing patterns and anxiety 25:30 — Vagus nerve activation techniques 29:10 — Posture and longevity 31:00 — Movement and dancing 32:10 — Early warning signs of poor posture 34:10 — One key action for better posture 37:00 — Final thoughts on daily habits Links for Dr. Morningstar FB: facebook.com/backgenius IG: dr.mark.morningstar LI: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-morningstar-dc-phd-facsp-dacbn-chs-a4085415 YT: @scoliosisworld Call to Action Download : Ten Tips to Build A Better Body 2026. Find "Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracfully and the Art of Retiring Comfortably" at www.gillianlockitch.com (North America) or on Kindle Subscribe to Growing Older Living Younger on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch at https://www.askdrgill.com/ or email: askdrgill@gmail.com to schedule a one-on-one zoom or phone call
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