Aging is an inevitable journey undertaken by all, but the quality varies greatly between individuals. The number of years lived describes longevity, but healthspan is the years spent in good health, which must be considered as the true measure of life. Advances in medicine extend our lifespan, though they rarely ensure that added years are lived free from disease or disability.

Recent studies emphasize that lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and mental health far outweigh genetics in influencing healthspan and longevity.

Link Between Mental Health and Longevity

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being to determine overall health. Mental health is defined by the WHO as a state wherein persons can realize their skills to cope with normal situations that life throws at them while working productively within one's community. That emphasizes how mental health isn't just the absence of disease but a positive active process of thriving.

The connection between mental health and longevity is profound and multifaceted. Stress management, optimism, purpose, and engagement in mentally stimulating activities are strong contributors to enhancing healthspan. These factors influence biological processes like mitochondrial function, telomere length, cellular health, and proteostasis, all hallmarks of aging.

Also Read: The Blue Zones: What We Can Learn from the World’s Longest-Lived People

How Stimulating Activities affect Cognitive Health

Mental exercise is to the brain what exercise is to the body. Activities like reading, solving puzzles, learning a new language, or mastering a skill keep cognitive decline at bay. A 2013 study found that adults who regularly engage in intellectually challenging activities experience slower rates of dementia and other cognitive impairments.

Moreover, mental involvement creates a healthy balance in the neurochemical environment of the brain, reducing risks of depression and improving the overall mood. This mental strengthening directly contributes to a longer and more fulfilling life.

Role of Social Connections

Loneliness is often described as the new smoking in terms of health risks. It's a huge barrier to aging well. Social isolation has been associated with higher risks of chronic diseases, depression, and even premature death. Strong social bonds and meaningful relationships, on the other hand, improve emotional well-being, lower stress, and even boost immune function.

Engagements and meetings of friends and family, group associations, or even staying connected with the loved ones offer emotional support, stress-reduction, and a feeling of belonging-all essential requirements for long and healthy living.

Biological aspects of Aging that are Influenced by Mental Health

These factors in the biological foundation of aging, which include mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere shortening, and cellular senescence, can be impacted by mental health. Chronic stress accelerates these processes due to higher oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. For example, an important study done in 2004 proved that chronic levels of perceived stress had shortened telomeres-that is, protective caps of chromosomes-by a decade equivalent.

The "inflammaging" is also part of the contribution of inflammation induced by stress, representing chronic low-grade inflammation underlying many age-related diseases. Thus, with proper stress management and good mental health, these deleterious effects can be mitigated, protecting cellular health and increasing healthspan.

Simple yet Powerful Tools to Improve Mental Wellbeing

Practicing gratitude and mindfulness can transform the aging experience. Gratitude shifts focus from what is lacking to what is abundant, fostering joy and contentment. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply reflecting on the positives can create a lasting sense of well-being.

Mindfulness grounds the individual in the present moment, thus not allowing him to worry about the future or grieve over what has been. Mindfulness, therefore, is the practice of meditation or mindful walking, which can make a person feel calm and centered, leading to greater emotional and physical resilience.

This process is less about reversing time and more about embracing it with energy and grace. Mental health is the foundation of this journey, which not only determines how long we live but also how well we live. Adopting relaxation techniques, cultivating optimism, engaging in mental stimulation, nurturing social connections, and embracing gratitude and mindfulness help unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier life.

Relaxation Techniques and Stress Management

Chronic stress contributes silently to aging, enhancing damage at cellular levels and exacerbating inflammatory processes. Oxidative stress and inflammation have also been significantly diminished by means of relaxation, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Routine use of such practices may benefit not only mental conditions but also contribute to enhancing health at a physical level through lowering of blood pressure, improvement of immune activity, and stability of emotions.

Stress, unless controlled, can worsen conditions associated with aging, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. A 2015 report showed that those who implemented stress-reducing interventions had improved mitochondrial function, which in turn reduced chronic disease risk. By promoting relaxation, one is working directly against the biological impact of aging.

A positive attitude toward life is not just uplifting; it is life-extending. Optimistic people have less cortisol in their systems, better immune responses, and healthier lifestyles. Equally important is the cultivation of a sense of purpose. Whether it is through career achievements, volunteering, or personal hobbies, having something to get up for fuels emotional resilience and physical vitality.

It is not uncommon for doctors to misidentify a health condition or misdiagnose due to lack of information or conflicting symptoms. However, many times these mistakes can lead the patient to get the wrong treatment, and cause problems like prolonged treatment, more health problems as well as patients feeling unheard.

A new report suggests that doctors are often missing a common, hormone-related reason for high blood pressure. This overlooked condition, called primary aldosteronism, could be affecting a significant number of people with high blood pressure without them even knowing. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, most doctors fail to identify this condition, even though it is the most common cause of high blood pressure.

More Common Than Thought

Research shows that as many as 30% of high blood pressure patients seen by heart specialists, and 14% of those seen by general doctors, actually have primary aldosteronism. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands (small glands located on top of your kidneys) produce too much of a hormone called aldosterone.

Despite how common it might be, many people with high blood pressure are never given a simple blood test to check for primary aldosteronism. In other cases, they might finally be tested years after their high blood pressure diagnosis. By this time, the condition can already lead to serious health problems.

Misdiagnoses in other health problems are also very common. According to a 2023 study published in the JAMA journal, every year, a staggering number of people—around 795,000—either die or are left with permanent disabilities because of mistakes in their diagnosis or related issues in healthcare. Even with a more conservative estimate, the number is still very high, at about 549,000 people harmed.

Why Is It Important to Diagnose?

People with primary aldosteronism face a higher risk of heart and blood vessel problems compared to those with regular high blood pressure.

Aldosterone helps control the balance of sodium (salt) and potassium in your blood. When aldosterone levels are too high, your body can lose too much potassium and hold onto too much sodium, which directly leads to higher blood pressure. Studies have shown that individuals with primary aldosterosteronism are:

• Nearly 2.6 times more likely to have a stroke.
• Twice as likely to experience heart failure.
• 3.5 times more likely to develop an irregular heartbeat.
• 77% more likely to end up with heart disease.

A simple and inexpensive blood test could help identify more people with primary aldosteronism, ensuring they get the right treatment.

New Guidelines and Treatment Options

The new report suggests that everyone diagnosed with high blood pressure should have their aldosterone levels checked. If primary aldosteronism is found, specific treatments for that condition should be given.

There are prescription medications available to treat primary aldosteronism. These include drugs like spironolactone and eplerenone, which help lower blood pressure and increase potassium levels in the body.

Doctors might also recommend surgery to remove one of the two adrenal glands if only one gland is making too much aldosterone. Patients are also usually advised to follow a balanced low-sodium diet and try to lose weight to help manage the condition.

A dental implant is not just a cosmetic fix; it is a decision that reshapes your smile, speech, eating habits, and even the structure of your jaw. While dental implants are reliable and widely recommended, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. A dental implant is not just “a new tooth”. It plays a vital role in supporting your bite, preserving facial structure, improving your diet, and boosting confidence.

And patients who ask the right questions tend to see better long-term outcomes—both in function and appearance. When you ask the right questions, you are more likely to get a personalised treatment plan that fits your needs, anatomy, and lifestyle. And that is when the results truly last.

Here are six crucial questions every patient must ask their dentist before getting an implant:

1. Am I the right candidate for an implant?

“Dental implants rely on healthy, stable jawbones for long-term success,” says Dr. Sanjeet Shanker, Founder and CEO at Epikdoc. He warns that if a tooth has been missing for a while, the bone beneath it may have started to resorb, even if there are no visible signs.

This makes a detailed X-ray or 3D CBCT scan non-negotiable. “We need to assess bone height, width, and density before planning an implant,” he explains. In cases where bone is lacking, your dentist may suggest bone grafting, a preliminary step that adds time and cost but provides a solid foundation for success.

2. What type of implant and crown will you use in my case?

Implants differ in length, width, design, and material depending on the patient’s needs. “Titanium implants are the gold standard and work well in most cases,” he says. However, zirconia implants are also an option for those with metal sensitivities or specific aesthetic preferences.

When it comes to the visible crown, options include porcelain-fused-to-metal for durability in back teeth and all-ceramic or zirconia crowns for a more natural look in the front. Dr. Shanker recommends asking your dentist why a particular system is being suggested and how it suits your bite forces, gum contours, and smile line.

3. What will the treatment involve over the next few months?

Implant treatment is rarely a one-day procedure. Here is how a typical journey looks:

Tooth extraction (if needed), bone grafting (if required), implant placement, healing time (osseointegration), and then crown placement.

The expert stresses the importance of knowing whether you will get a temporary crown, a removable denture, or have to manage without a tooth during healing. A clear treatment timeline helps you prepare your schedule, diet, and expectations.

4. What kind of daily care will my implant need?

“Even though implants do not decay, the surrounding gums and bone can get infected if not cared for properly, a condition called peri-implantitis,” Dr. Shanker warns.

He advises patients to ask:

• How do I clean around the implant?
• Do I need special tools like interdental brushes or water flossers?
• How often should I return for cleanings?

An implant is like a luxury car. With regular maintenance, it will serve you for decades. But neglect it, and problems pile up fast.

5. What does the total cost include?

Dr. Shanker points out that pricing can vary dramatically. Some clinics bundle everything, while others charge separately for scans, surgeries, crowns, and follow-ups.

He recommends asking clearly:

• Is bone grafting included if required?
• Will I have temporary teeth during healing?
• What’s the policy on emergencies or crown replacement?

Getting clarity upfront helps you avoid surprises and make accurate comparisons.

6. Does the brand of implant matter?

This, according to Dr. Shanker, is one of the most frequently asked questions. “It is like tennis. Give Roger Federer an average racket, and he will still win the match,” he says.

In implants, the surgeon’s skill and case planning are far more important than brand names. The real hierarchy, he says, is:

1. The doctor’s experience and planning

2. Your own health and bone condition

3. The quality of the implant system

While established brands offer reliable results, focusing only on labels is a distraction. “Choose a clinician you trust and one who explains the ‘why’ behind their choice,” Dr. Shanker advises.

When you think of endometriosis, the image that typically comes to mind is a woman doubled over in pain, battling fatigue or struggling with infertility. But for a significant portion of women, this chronic condition creeps in silently, without a single symptom to give it away. Known as asymptomatic or silent endometriosis, this elusive form can cause severe and irreversible damage before it is ever detected.

Endometriosis is commonly linked with menstrual pain, tiredness, and fertility problems. But asymptomatic or silent endometriosis is a type of condition that is much more insidious. It does not come with the familiar warning signals, so it becomes more difficult to identify and, worse, more likely to lead to long-term damage.

No Pain, But Plenty of Harm

"Since there is no pain or any apparent symptoms, the disease tends to silently grow, spreading outside the reproductive system," explains Dr. Smeet Patel, endometriosis specialist at Mayflower Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad.

In its advanced stages, silent endometriosis does not stop at the ovaries or uterus. It can, over time, infiltrate major organs like the colon, bladder, and even deep pelvic tissues. "In a few advanced conditions, it can migrate up to the parametrium, internal vessels, or S2–S3 segment of the spine, invading the sciatic nerve and generating extreme complications," he says.

First Clue: Infertility

"What is especially dangerous about silent endometriosis is that its very first symptom is usually infertility," warns Dr. Smeet Patel. "By the time a woman presents to us with a fertility evaluation, the disease has already begun to deplete her ovarian reserve, reduce egg quality, or occlude her fallopian tubes—all without so much as a twinge or an early warning sign."

The disease progresses with no outward signs, which makes it incredibly deceptive. It is worth mentioning that nobody actually knows why certain people are experiencing severe pain and others experience nothing at all. However, the expert says if a patient is going for IVF or there is a family history of endometriosis, they always keep in mind the possibility of having a hidden case.

Difficult to Detect

"It is difficult to diagnose," Dr. Smeet Patel admits. "Laparoscopy is still the gold standard, but high-resolution MRIs and transvaginal ultrasounds sometimes can catch indicators."

He explains that treatment is highly individualised. "The treatment is customised based on the goals of the patient—whether that is pain management, fertility, or prevention of complications down the line. For women not attempting to get pregnant, we might observe the condition closely instead of performing surgery at once. However, if fertility is an issue, early treatment—hormonal treatment, laparoscopic surgery, or assisted reproduction methods—can be a game-changer in results."

What Dr. Smeet Patel always tells his patients is this: silence does not mean peace. Just because your body is not shouting does not mean it is not sending signals. "The more aware we become of silent endometriosis, the better we can protect reproductive health and improve quality of life before irreversible damage occurs," he says.

A Hidden 25%

Dr. Sanjay Patel, endometriosis surgeon, points out the hidden nature of this condition. He explains that while most cases present with pain and discomfort, silent endometriosis does not. Patients can appear and feel perfectly healthy as the disease advances within. "About 20–25 per cent of endometriosis patients are asymptomatic. These individuals are often found accidentally during operations for other conditions or upon seeking treatment for infertility," he says.

The Danger of Delay

The actual risk is with the delay. "When we do find it, it might already have affected fertility, caused adhesions, or invaded important organs. Rarely, it can invade the bowel or bladder with dangerous consequences," Dr. Sanjay Patel warns.

He also touches on the psychological toll. "Psychologically, it is confusing to patients—being told you have a disease you never had can be difficult to accept."

And for those who think they are in the clear because they feel fine, Dr. Sanjay Patel offers a word of caution: "If there is a family history, trouble getting pregnant, or unexpected cysts on routine imaging, we must explore further. Just because it does not hurt does not mean it is not bad."