“Actually, we are young – we’ve just been around a very long time.”

 

 

So often people ask: “What is the meaning of life?” A wise doctor might reply: “In its continuation.” There is a fundamental genetic principle that “the phenotype changes within the genotype.” In plain terms, our health, appearance, body shape—even posture—can only change within the limits set by our inherited genetic code. It’s your own unique genetic makeup that largely determines your lifespan and quality of life.

That said, our lifestyle choices—habits, cravings, weaknesses—can diminish or distort the potential encoded in our genes. If you are “genetically programmed” to live to 100, indulging in pleasurable but harmful habits may shorten that span.

This is the essence of epigenetics: how environmental factors influence our DNA’s expression...

Your inherited code for longevity or disease may remain dormant unless conditions activate it. For instance, if your parents had diabetes, but you carefully control blood sugar levels and adopt healthier habits, you may avoid developing it entirely.

I’m not advocating a joyless existence—far from it. Life should be savored at every moment. But it’s never too late to reassess harmful habits and turn them into healthy routines and newfound sources of pleasure.

Breaking it down:

  • Smoking: always dangerous. There is no benefit. No smoking - ever. It’s wholly unnecessary and dangerous. And no, NICOTINE is never beneficial!
  • Alcohol: not as harmful as smoking, but excessive consumption carries real risks. No amount is entirely safe. Drink sensibly. Alcohol can harm even in moderate amounts. And no, there is no such thing as healthy alcohol and there is no such thing as a safe dose!
  • Preventive healthcare: book regular check‑ups and full health assessments. Stay on top of your health: regular medical check-ups matter.
  • Diet & weight: minimise excess sugar, maintain healthy body weight. Cut down sugar, stay within a healthy weight.
  • Movement & exercise: stay active. Move regularly - exercise really helps.
  • Sleep: aim for seven to eight hours nightly. Don’t neglect sleep - 7-8 hours is ideal.
  • Stress management: reduce and manage anxiety wherever possible. Manage stress—mind your mental health.


Call me boring—I won’t mind! Whenever we meet, I’ll keep repeating these simple truths. But the choice of action is entirely yours.
Epigenetics teaches us that, with the right environment, the code we’re born with can be gently guided toward its fullest expression.

 

27 / 07 / 2025