Movement, nutrition, sleep, stress reduction, and social connection: experts recommend these five core pillars of longevity as part of an everyday routine that supports a long and healthy life. Increasingly, however, the concept of recovery as an additional pillar of longevity is gaining traction as a fundamental part of staying strong, resilient, and healthy as we age.

“What we actually want is both more years and more of those years lived in good health,” says Dr. David Barzilai, a longevity physician and the medical editor of Harvard Health Publishing’s Special Health Report Pathways to Longevity. “Almost no one wants additional years of frailty and dependence; they want more years of feeling well, moving freely, thinking clearly, and staying engaged with the people and work they love.”

Recovery — allowing the body regular opportunities to repair muscle tissue, balance hormones, and consolidate memories — helps achieve those years of good health by directly supporting strength, resilience, and long-term healthspan.

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