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Live Younger Longer 6 steps to Prevent Heart Disease, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Diabetes and more

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Most of us want to live a long, healthy life, but how do we do that? Drawing upon lessons from his own life, Mayo Clinic cardiologist Stephen Kopecky offers a holistic, evidence-based approach to preventing common diseases and chronic illnesses and living a longer life of pleasure and purpose.

In the past century, the leading causes of death around the world have shifted from infectious diseases to long-term chronic illnesses. What’s killing us today isn’t so much flu or tuberculosis, but heart disease and cancer. In fact, more than 1.2 million Americans die from these two diseases each year. Paradoxically, these chronic diseases are a consequence of living longer than ever. But even if we’re living longer, are we living better? The overwhelming number of people now living under the burden of chronic illness indicates otherwise.

After surviving two bouts of cancer, Dr. Stephen Kopecky, M.D set out to discover the behaviors people can adopt to live longer lives free of chronic illnesses and diseases. What he discovered was that the answer lies in just six habits that require small changes to your daily life, but reap big results long-term. From adopting better diet and exercise habits to managing stress and sleep, these behaviors will not only preserve your health, they can improve your quality of living and extend your life. The secret, however, lies not just in the steps themselves but in how you accomplish them.

This book offers in-depth insights
The best foods to eat and whyIncreasing physical activity and improving fitnessWhy your sleep habits matterThe dangers of stress and what to do about themThe true impact of alcohol and tobacco on our bodiesHow to make changes that will last a lifetime
After 30 years of research in the field of cardiovascular disease prevention, Dr. Kopecky is sharing what he’s learned from his practice and own personal experience about staying healthy, preventing chronic illnesses, and living younger longer.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2021

59 people are currently reading
106 people want to read

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Sean.
192 reviews20 followers
April 12, 2023
A heart doc takes you through the science and ramifications of his 6 point system.

He does a good job of breaking behaviors down into small changes so that you can keep these habits. I also enjoyed the self-assessments at the end.

Many concepts, behaviors and health concerns show up many times throughout, so it does feel like more than 6. But it is a short book so rereading would probably bring things into more focus.
1 review
September 30, 2021
I've been a health and wellness writer/editor for many years, so Live Younger Longer covers some familiar ground for me. That said, I gained many new and valuable insights through Dr. Kopecky's approachable and reasonable guidance, which he delivers in a personal and compelling way. I felt like I was sitting in Dr. Kopecky's office with him, gleaning all sorts of valuable insights. I could see the areas in which I’m doing well and the areas in which I can improve, all in a simple, yet robust construct that kept me engaged from cover to cover.

My main takeaway from Live Younger Longer – that taking steps toward living a longer life isn’t an onerous task or an all-or-nothing proposition and that every choice makes a difference – lit a fire for me, renewing my enthusiasm for wellness.
Profile Image for Rachelle.
1,362 reviews
October 3, 2021
Live Younger Longer... very generic yet pertinent advice to naturally live younger longer. We've all heard it before: eat more vegetables and fruit, exercise, sleep well and be less stressed, but this book goes into a bit more detail and explanation as to why these actions affect the body in dramatic and accumulative ways. More than preventative care, these items create a more enjoyable and thriving lifestyle. Somewhat repetitive and wordy in areas but generally easy to understand science connections. Meant for beginners to healthy lifestyle choices.
Profile Image for Healthypedia.
218 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2023
Discover six steps to prevent chronic disease with this insightful read from renowned cardiologist Stephen Kopecky.

In a world where chronic diseases loom large, the imperative to embrace sustainable healthy habits has never been more pressing. This pursuit of vitality and longevity has become a cornerstone of our times, urging us to adopt choices that fortify our well-being. At the heart of this imperative lies Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D.’s book, ‘Live Younger Longer: 6 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease, Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and More’. This review delves into the essence of this book, a compass navigating the realm of chronic diseases, offering readers a roadmap to healthier and more fulfilling lives. As we explore the insights and strategies laid out by Dr. Kopecky, we uncover a treasure trove of actionable guidance that stands to reshape our understanding of holistic well-being.


Author’s background

Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D., practices as a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic located in Rochester, Minnesota.

His primary focus lies in preventing cardiovascular diseases and managing risk factors associated with them. He holds the position of Director at the Statin Intolerance Clinic, a role in which he contributes to the creation of treatment strategies for patients grappling with heart ailments. In 2013, Dr. Kopecky was honoured with the Jan J. Kellermann Memorial Award for his exceptional contributions in the realm of preventing cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, he holds a faculty position as a medicine professor at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.


What is the book about?

‘Live Younger Longer: 6 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease, Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and More’ by Stephen Kopecky offers practical ways to live better and longer by avoiding common diseases. Dr. Kopecky uses his own experiences and research to show how to make healthier choices that can lead to a longer and more fulfilling life.

The book addresses the shift in leading causes of mortality from infectious diseases to chronic conditions. Dr. Kopecky highlights the prevailing challenges of heart disease and cancer, which claim over 1.2 million lives annually in the United States. Despite longer lifespans, the burden of chronic illnesses compromises overall well-being.

After beating cancer himself, Dr. Kopecky set himself a goal to find out how to live a long life without getting sick. He found six important habits that can make a big difference. These habits include eating better, moving more, sleeping well, managing stress, avoiding harmful substances, and being careful with alcohol. The book does not just emphasise these habits but also explains how to make them part of your life for a long time.

The key topics covered in the book include:

• The shift from infectious to chronic diseases and the reasons behind the transition and the factors driving it.
• Nutritional choices and their impact on health.
• The benefits of an active lifestyle and tips for achieving fitness.
• The vital role of sleep and strategies for enhancing sleep quality.
• Recognising, managing, and minimising stress.
• Addressing effects of smoking and pollution on health.
• Balancing alcohol consumption for health benefits.
• The impact of weight on health.
• Fitness tests and advice on exercise.
• Tools for evaluating dietary choices and setting priorities.


Six key takeaways from ‘Live Younger Longer’

1. Eat healthily to minimise diseases risks

In his step-by-step program on preventing chronic diseases, Dr. Kopecky puts a healthy diet as step number one, highlighting its utmost importance. Genes might contribute to a 30% to 40% increase in disease risk, but lifestyle, notably diet, has the potential to amplify this risk three to four times.

Dr. Kopecky cites a 2019 study published by The Lancet. By analysing dietary patterns across nearly 200 countries, the study inferred that global deaths could be reduced by a fifth through dietary adjustments. Though ambitious, even small dietary changes exert substantial effects on overall health.

A healthier dietary pattern does not necessitate strict adherence to specialised diets. Rather, it emphasises balanced, well-rounded eating habits. While no single food possesses miraculous health benefits, certain eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, exhibit associations with enhanced health outcomes. This diet, emphasising plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats, resonates as an effective means to combat chronic diseases and promote wellness.

2. Be physically active

Recognising the significance of physical activity in our hectic lives is crucial. Despite claims of busyness as a form of activity, sedentary behaviour prevails, with American adults spending around 8 hours daily seated and Europeans close to 3 hours watching TV or reclining. Two vital types of physical activity are essential: avoiding sedentary behaviour through regular movement and engaging in vigorous physical activity.

Vigorous activity, involving actions that elevate heart rate and induce sweating, leads to physical fitness by enhancing endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition. Nevertheless, exercise alone does not entirely counteract the detrimental effects of extended sitting on health. A holistic approach is crucial, combining frequent movement with structured exercise for optimal well-being.

3. Make healthy sleep one of your priorities

Nowadays sleep often takes a back seat, overshadowed by our busy lives. However, sleep is a fundamental necessity essential for our health and well-being. Sleep constitutes a third of our lives and allows our bodies crucial time to rejuvenate and repair. During sleep, energy conservation processes activate, muscle relaxation occurs, and brain activity slows down, supporting vital restorative activities such as waste clearance, cell repair, and immune system regulation.

Sleep deprivation disrupts these processes and is linked to chronic health conditions like heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Our capacity to think logically, make decisions, and control emotions is significantly impaired by inadequate sleep. Furthermore, sleep plays a vital role in bolstering the immune system, helping the body fight infections and aiding in the recovery process. As a cornerstone of health, prioritising sleep is essential for fostering longevity and overall well-being.

4. Manage and reduce stress

While some stress can be motivating and adaptive, chronic stress can take a toll on our physical and emotional health. Dr. Kopecky emphasises that we can manage stress by developing healthy responses to stress through daily habits that can significantly alleviate its harmful effects. Understanding the body’s stress response, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, is key to this process. Chronic stress, if left unchecked, can lead to various health issues, including heart disease, impaired brain function, weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, and more.

The journey to effective stress management involves adopting strategies such as positive self-talk, cultivating optimism, and spending time in nature. Engaging in these practices can reshape our responses to stress, reducing negative impacts and boosting our capacity to manage future challenges.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking is a risk factor for almost all diseases. From cancers in various organs to lung diseases and cardiovascular issues, tobacco’s poisons infiltrate the body, leading to irreparable damage. Even reproduction and fertility are profoundly affected. The devastating impact of smoking is evident in the lives of those who suffer from its effects and the healthcare system burdened by its consequences. Thus, quitting smoking is one of the biggest steps towards better health and lower disease risks.

6. Drink alcohol in moderation or do not drink at all

Dr. Kopecky highlights the delicate balance between the benefits and risks of alcohol consumption. Moderate drinking, when adhering to recommended guidelines, shows associations with potential benefits like reduced heart disease risk and relaxation. However, the elusive line between moderation and excess remains challenging to discern, complicated by various factors such as age, genetics, and overall lifestyle.

While moderation is associated with lower risks, heavy drinking can lead to short-term hazards like injuries, poisonings, and unintended pregnancies. Over time, the toll of heavy drinking manifests as a parade of chronic diseases – brain damage, high blood pressure, heart problems, liver disease, digestive issues, and an elevated risk of cancer.

The bottom line? Here is how the author concludes the ‘to drink or not to drink’ debate: ‘Drinking alcohol isn’t risk-free. If you don’t drink alcohol, don’t start because of potential health benefits. However, if you drink a light to moderate amount and you’re healthy, you can probably continue as long as you drink responsibly.’


Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

Strengths:
• Strikes a balance between providing sufficient information on healthy habits without overwhelming the reader.
• Provides actionable advice on maintaining good health to ensure a high quality of life in later years.
• Dr. Kopecky’s writing is approachable and suitable for people of all ages, making it easy for anyone to understand and apply the principles.

Weaknesses:
• Tends to overemphasise the ‘heart healthy diet’ catchphrases, which can become repetitive and may not align with the latest research.
• Despite providing more detailed explanations, the book can be somewhat repetitive in its messaging, which could potentially bore readers looking for fresh content.


Best quotes from ‘Live Younger Longer’

“Ultraprocessed foods may include substances directly extracted from foods, such as lactose, whey and gluten, and some derived from further processing of food constituents, such as hydrogenated oils, maltodextrin and high- fructose corn syrup. Additives found in this group include dyes and coloring, flavors, nonsugar sweeteners, and various processing agents.”

“The lighter and brighter your surroundings, the more awake and alert you are. The darker your environment, the more melatonin – a substance that makes you drowsy – your body produces. Natural circadian rhythms explain why most people are awake when the sun is up and feel sleepy after the sun goes down.”

“Obesity is a major health problem in the United States. Two-thirds of the adult population is overweight, and 1 in 3 adults is considered obese. Childhood obesity is at an all-time high.”



Final takeaway

‘Live Younger Longer: 6 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease, Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and More’ by Stephen L. Kopecky offers a comprehensive guide to leading a healthier and more fulfilling life by adopting six key habits. Dr. Kopecky’s extensive experience as a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic lends credibility to his practical advice on preventing chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being.

The book’s approachable writing style, balanced information delivery, and actionable guidance make it an essential read for beginners looking to make positive lifestyle changes for better long-term health.
Profile Image for Tiffany M.
17 reviews
April 21, 2023
The first few chapters were decent. I agree with other reviews that this is a helpful tool for beginners looking for advice on finding motivation for lifestyle changes and tips for success with those changes. I have trouble with the repetitive stress on the "heart healthy diet" catchphrases that have dominated the past decades (eat less red meat, butter, etc.). Emerging research is finding this may not be great advice, but I'm not a doctor. There was a small remark about eating fewer carbohydrates and proteins that confused me as well. I thought all sides agreed proteins were great, but argue over the appropriate source. I absolutely stopped reading at chapter 8, when the food pyramid was described as"too confusing". The implication was that some of the current health problems could be attributed to the belief that the top of the pyramid was what should be consumed most, while the foundation should be consumed least?!?! Hard pass on the logic, my friend. Tell me lies, but don't call me stupid.
102 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2025
I think this book is full of good insights and advice. Kopecky covers everything from diet, weight, sleep, exercise and meditation. I have read a lot of similar content so I didn't find much new but I can't think of a better single source. I can't resist nitpicking one aspect. He has a made up chart purporting to show that as life expectancy increased from 47 years in 1900 to 79 more recently the healthy years have only increased from 46 to 66. He has no real citation for this. Much of the increase in lifespan was due to a reduction in childhood deaths. It just isn't true that people didn't live to old age in the past. It also isn't true that they were healthy until they dropped dead. His point seems to be that you want to stay independent and healthy as long as possible. That makes sense but I think he could have stuck with facts. Really, I do like the book.
Profile Image for ♏Vanessa♏.
1,571 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2024
very informative, easy to understand and with plenty of tips on how to better put new, healthier habits into practice.
There isnt anything groundbreaking here, however the fact he understands how difficult it is to change and commit to those changes is, and her gives us doable strategies on how to apply permanent changes into our lives so that we can live younger and longer with our health is amazingly good.
Profile Image for Michael.
842 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2025
Steve Kopecky is a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and a two time cancer survivor. This book explain how diet and exercise can lead to a healthier, longer life. It's well written, science based, and Kopecky's positive outlook is infectious.
Profile Image for Kari Mccrory.
268 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2022
This is a great book for all ages to read. The information is written at a level for all to understand. Great suggestions are provided for living a healthier, fuller life.
Profile Image for Erin.
3 reviews
July 8, 2023
Everyone should read this and carry the knowledge around in daily decisions.
Profile Image for Al Kruzins.
290 reviews
August 25, 2023
Excellent
Cardio dr with great tips
Many things I knew but summary in easy to read format
Excellent
10 reviews
March 2, 2025
Great for Read for Anyone

If you want to maintain or obtain good health, this book is for you! It is a very thorough and common-sense approach to living healthily.
20 reviews
June 2, 2025
good intro to health and wellness. Nothing I haven’t heard before but a good reminder. Skimmed some portions.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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