Why do some people live vibrantly into their 80s and 90s without chronic disease, while others don’t? Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and bestselling author of Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity, believes the answer lies in how we care for the gift of our bodies. His research offers not just medical insight but also an invitation for Catholics to reflect on how honoring our health can become a form of honoring our Creator.
In an interview discussing his book, Topol explains, “Healthy aging is a function of a strong immune system.” He goes so far as to paraphrase an old political phrase, saying, “It’s the immune system, stupid, you know? Because it really is.” According to Topol, building immune strength helps prevent diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. As Catholics, this aligns beautifully with our belief in the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). We are not merely prolonging life—we are stewarding it.
So how do we practically become what Topol calls the “Wellderly”—those who live well into old age, free of disease?
One of the most impactful habits he recommends is regular strength and resistance training, calling it “the single best way to extend lifespan and, importantly, health span.” Alongside that, Topol emphasizes the importance of a Mediterranean-style diet, deep restorative sleep, and strong social and spiritual ties. These “lifestyle+” factors—time in nature, low exposure to pollutants, and friendship—aren’t just good science; they also reflect Catholic values of simplicity, community, and respect for creation.
Topol encourages not waiting for illness to take charge of your health. He recommends certain low-cost, proactive medical tests that go beyond what most insurance covers. For example, polygenic risk scores (PRS), which cost less than $50, can provide insight into one’s genetic risk for major diseases. He also points to DEXA scans for muscle and fat tracking and genome sequencing, “a test you need to take only once, for lifelong knowledge.”
Another area that echoes our Catholic understanding of the unity of body and soul is the “gut-brain axis.” Topol explains that gut hormones “talk to the immune system, and they talk to the brain, which is mission control for the immune system.” He goes further: “The way to a person’s brain and to healthy aging, it likely will be through their gut.” A healthy gut supports both mental and physical health—an important truth for Catholics who believe in the integrated dignity of the human person.
Topol also warns that sleep, like all things, requires balance. While most know too little sleep is harmful, he cautions that too much can be dangerous too. “Every one-hour-a-night increase in sleep duration above that seven- to eight-hour threshold is associated with 12% higher risk of total cardiovascular disease,” he writes. Like fasting or feasting, our rest must be rightly ordered.
And in a world increasingly shaped by technology, Topol offers a balanced view on AI. “It can radically improve disease prediction, prevention, and personalized care,” he says—but only with caution. He recommends using AI tools like Gemini or Perplexity for nutritional feedback or breaking down complex medical topics—but warns, “Always ask the AI system what nutrition standards it’s using, and don’t be afraid to challenge results.”
What can Catholics take from this?
Dr. Topol’s research doesn’t replace faith—it complements it. Catholics believe that life is sacred and that we are stewards, not owners, of our bodies. The discipline to care for our health, the curiosity to learn about longevity, and the humility to use modern tools responsibly can all be expressions of gratitude for God’s gift of life.
The wisdom of “Super Agers” invites us to be intentional not just about living long—but living well, in body, mind, and soul.
