Living to 100: A Science-Backed Guide to Longevity and Vitality
What if living to 100 wasn’t just about adding years to your life but adding life to your years? Longevity is no longer a mystery or a matter of luck. Modern research shows that is strongly influenced by lifestyle, brain health, nervous system balance, and metabolic function. At the Advanced Integrative Health Center, we combine chiropractic care, functional neurology, and functional medicine to help patients build a body and brain designed for longevity. Schedule an appointment with our chiropractor and functional medicine doctor in Grand Rapids, MI, to get started.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know.
Longevity Starts With the Nervous System
Your nervous system controls every organ, muscle, and healing process in your body. When spinal joints lose mobility or alignment, communication between the brain and body can become less efficient. Research shows spinal manipulation can improve nervous system function, reduce pain, and enhance mobility—key factors linked with long-term health and independence.¹
Healthy Brain Equals a Longer Livespan
Cognitive decline, like that associated with Alzheimer’s disease, is one of the biggest fears people have about aging. Functional neurology focuses on strengthening brain pathways through targeted stimulation, movement, and sensory input. Studies demonstrate that physical activity, balance training, and neuroplastic exercises can improve brain connectivity and reduce risk factors for dementia.²
Metabolic Health Predicts Longevity
Conditions like insulin resistance, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk markers are some of the strongest predictors of lifespan. Functional medicine identifies underlying causes instead of masking symptoms. Personalized nutrition, lab testing, sleep optimization, and stress regulation have all been shown to reduce chronic disease risk and improve lifespan outcomes.³
The 5 Longevity Pillars We Teach Patients
At our Grand Rapids functional medicine clinic, we guide patients to focus on five evidence-based longevity drivers:
- Spinal and joint mobility for nervous system efficiency
- Brain stimulation and movement training for neuroplasticity
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition to protect cells and mitochondria
- Sleep optimization for hormone balance and body repair
- Stress regulation to lower cortisol and protect the heart
These pillars don’t just help you live longer. They help you stay strong, sharp, and active well into your later decades.
The Truth About Aging
Aging is not simply wear and tear. Your body does not hurt because you are old. Research shows aging is largely influenced by modifiable factors such as lifestyle, environment, and nervous system function.⁴ In other words, many aspects of aging are within your control. With the right guidance, it’s possible to improve energy, decrease pain, improve mobility, and experience mental clarity at almost any age.
Ready to Start Your Longevity Journey?
Ready to live life without limits? starts today. If you want to stay active, independent, and mentally sharp for decades to come, now is the time to act. Schedule your comprehensive longevity evaluation with our chiropractor and functional medicine doctor in Grand Rapids, MI, and take the first step toward living to 100—strong, vibrant, and thriving. Call the Advanced Integrative Health Center at (616) 453-0600 or request an appointment online.
References
- Haavik H, Murphy B. The role of spinal manipulation in neuroplasticity and sensorimotor integration. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012.
- Erickson KI et al. Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. PNAS. 2011.
- Ornish D et al. Intensive lifestyle changes and reversal of coronary heart disease. Lancet. 1990.
- López-Otín C et al. The hallmarks of aging. Cell. 2013.