6 Simple Rules for a Long, Healthy Life w/ Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel
Mark Hyman
Dec 17, 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Avoid high-risk activities for a longer life
A simple rule for a long life is to avoid 'schmucky' high-risk activities with a low reward, such as smoking, excessive drinking, or climbing Mount Everest.
Prioritize social connections for a long and happy life
The number one factor for a long and happy life is robust social relations, which can be a more powerful determinant of health than diet or exercise.
Eliminate sodas and starchy snacks for better health
The two most important dietary changes are to stop drinking sodas and sugary drinks and to stop eating starchy, ultra-processed snacks like crackers and cookies.
Rethink PSA screening due to questionable benefits
Prostate cancer PSA screening may only save one in a thousand lives while turning many men into patients who undergo procedures with high complication rates, making its overall benefit questionable.
Leverage weak relationships for mental well-being boost
Casual, brief interactions with people in your daily orbit, like a barista or train conductor, are underestimated 'weak relationships' that provide a mental boost and improve well-being.
Balance wellness pursuits to avoid narcissism
The obsessive, individual pursuit of longevity can become a narcissistic focus that is ultimately not good for the body, which requires balance.
Prioritize social connections to offset poor diet effects
Studies on communities like Roseto, Pennsylvania, show that strong social connections can compensate for a poor diet, leading to greater longevity and fewer chronic illnesses.
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