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Although the conclusive science is still out, the prospects for enhancing longevity are intriguing. Be sure to check with your doctor before using any supplementation, and ask especially about any medication interactions.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-L-carnitine. Taken together, these have been shown to improve cognitive function and mitochondrial health and can help reduce inflammation.

EAAs and BCAAs. Protein synthesis declines with age, so consider supplementing with EAAs (essential amino acids) or BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), as they are easily absorbed and used. A good protein powder can also be handy.

THE BLUE ZONE DIET

A lot of aging and longevity research has been done in so-called Blue Zones, where a common anti-aging diet for the brain and body appears to be a combination of an East Asian and Mediterranean diet. Blue Zones are areas around the world that have the most centenarians (folks over 100 years old). Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia, Italy, are just two examples of such communities. In these areas, being old is fashionable. Elders are revered. We know where we are moving when our city makes us feel too old! The Blue Zone diet and lifestyle includes:

•A diet based primarily on plants that includes a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables

•Small portions of lean meats and poultry

•Plenty of fish and seafood

•Beans and legumes

•Minimal dairy

•Fermented foods

•Relatively unprocessed fats, such as nuts, oily fish, and cold-pressed olive oil

•Liberal use of herbs and spices

•Eating only to 80 percent full (this looks familiar!); the Okinawans have a saying before each meal, “Hara hachi bu,” which basically means “eat to 80 percent full.”

•Always moving

•Enjoying nature and being outside

•Some form of meditation

•Fasting

•Community and close circles of friends

Insulin regulator. Consider taking a natural insulin regulator, such as cinnamon or berberine.

Multivitamin and multimineral. Most people tend to eat progressively less as they age. A supplement can provide proper nutrients for the aging body.

Natural anti-inflammatory supplements. These include EPA/DHA (such as fish oil, krill oil, or algae oil), turmeric/curcumin with pepper, ginger, bromelain and papain, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).

Vitamin B12. Deficiency is common in older adults. Consider taking vitamin B12 as a supplement, especially if you have gut issues. Include other gut-friendly supplements as well, such as digestive enzymes (including betaine hydrochloric acid) and probiotics to promote healthy bacterial flora.