Lifestyle Medicine Program Focuses on Extending ‘Healthspan’

The Center for Healthy Senior Living and Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center have launched a comprehensive Lifestyle Medicine program led by lifestyle and geriatric medicine specialist Kamal Wagle, M.D., MPH, CMD, DipABLM, AGSF.

The goal of this program is to help people improve physical, social, cognitive and emotional health and manage chronic conditions by promoting:

• A healthy dietary lifestyle.
• Avoidance of risky substances.
• Physical activity.
• Positive social connection.
• Restorative sleep.
• Stress management.

Lifestyle Medicine is essential in geriatrics because it addresses the root causes of many chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes, offering powerful tools that span the entire care continuum — from prevention and treatment to disease remission and functional restoration. For older adults, Lifestyle Medicine fosters healthy longevity by promoting evidence-based lifestyle practices that support both body and mind. Lifestyle Medicine empowers older adults to maintain independence, resilience and vitality, even in the presence of multiple co-morbidities.

The clinic provides time and space for in-depth assessment of a patient's lifestyle using validated standardized tools.This assessment is coupled with understanding what matters most for the patient and personalized counseling and coaching to improve lifestyle and thereby addressing their health care goals.

“Research has shown that when it comes to healthy aging, lifestyle medicine matters,” said Manisha Parulekar, M.D., AGSF, FACP, Division Chief of Geriatrics at Hackensack University Medical Center. “Consistently following healthy lifestyle guidelines can lower your risk of developing dementia and extend your healthspan, the number of years you live without chronic diseases or disability.”

Although the Lifestyle program is primarily focused on prevention, Dr. Parulekar said even people who have already been diagnosed with dementia or multiple chronic conditions can benefit from exercise, socialization, dietary changes, better sleep and reduced stress. But one-size-fits-all advice simply isn’t enough.

“Lifestyle modifications are not only important for prevention but also are primarily modalities for treatment of chronic conditions and there is ample evidence on how this provides positive outcomes for slowing dementia and managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. It is never too late to benefit from lifestyle modifications,” said Dr. Wagle. “No matter where a patient is in their journey, our Lifestyle Medicine experts will take the time to understand their needs and goals, meet them where they are, and provide a specific, step-by-step, tailored plan that is customized, personalized, and sustainable.”

Learn more about innovative geriatric care at Hackensack University Medical Center.