In an eye-opening Power Panel hosted by Dr. Swathi, Scott Fulton—founder of the Longevity Advantage and national leader in functional aging—introduced a transformative concept: Whealthspan. More than just a clever portmanteau, whealthspan represents the intersection of wealth, health, and lifespan, reframing how we think about aging in today’s world.
“People are worried about their money and their health,” Fulton shared. “Whealthspan is about making smart, sustainable decisions that protect both.”
Why Whealthspan Matters
Fulton emphasized that extending our lifespan without quality health—or financial security—is not success. To truly age well, we must intentionally build strength, resilience, and purpose into both our physical and financial lives. Muscle health, especially, plays a critical role in maintaining independence and avoiding the steep costs associated with functional decline.
“The most common thing people tell me,” said Fulton, “is that they want to keep doing what they’re doing for as long as possible. That requires investment—in muscle, in lifestyle, in systems.”
Muscle, Mitochondria, and Momentum
He broke down the biological side of whealthspan, explaining how mitochondria—the cellular energy engines—decline with age, and how strength training, combined with endurance work, helps preserve both mitochondrial and muscle health.
“It’s not about getting bigger muscles,” he clarified. “It’s about function. It’s about being able to get off the floor, prevent falls, and have the energy for life’s most meaningful moments.”
The Sarcopenia Wake-Up Call
Fulton also touched on the growing crisis of sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss. He cited the widening healthspan-lifespan gap in the U.S., noting America ranks near the bottom globally. His advice? “Start early. Build muscle like you’d build a retirement fund. The more you have in the bank, the longer you’ll thrive.”
So, What Can You Do?
Fulton offered a practical framework to improve your whealthspan, built around five pillars: Mind, Environment, Diet, Activity, and Community. He recommends:
- Engaging in honest conversations about aging goals
- Focusing on quality nutrition over diet labels
- Training both strength and endurance
- Investing in meaningful relationships and social connection
- Minimizing environmental toxins and stressors
He also challenged healthcare systems to evolve from reactive treatment to proactive support, highlighting the rise of Lifestyle Medicine and the role of physicians as partners in a patient’s long-term plan.
“We’re not just living longer,” Fulton concluded. “We’re living for the moments that matter—grandkids’ graduations, time with loved ones. Whealthspan is about being ready when those moments come.”
To explore this topic further, visit MyosMD.com or check out the full Power Panel session. And don’t miss Scott Fulton’s daily insights on LinkedIn or his Whealthspan podcast—where he dives deeper into building a longer, stronger life.