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Salsa, meditation and a rainbow plate: Longevity doctor reveals surprisingly simple habits behind a long, healthy life

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For Dr. Suzanne Ferree, the secret to living well into your later years isn’t hidden in an expensive supplement or a strict regime. It’s about simple, intentional habits that start in midlife. A renowned human performance and longevity expert, Ferree has spent more than a decade studying how small lifestyle changes can have big payoffs in your 50s, 60s and beyond.

“When I started treating patients, most were already in a disease state,” Ferree told CNBC Make It in a recent interview. “I realized I needed to catch them earlier.” That “sweet spot,” she says, is between ages 45 and 65 — a window where change can truly shape future health.

The Muscle Mindset: “Muscle Is the Currency of Aging”
Ferree, who heads Vine Medical Associates in Georgia, follows the same guidance she gives her patients. She believes that movement isn’t optional — it’s essential.

“I do yoga, Pilates, weight training, walk my dog, and sometimes run,” she says. “I like to mix it up. I believe that muscle’s the currency of aging.”

Her approach goes beyond structured workouts. She focuses on staying anti-sedentary, weaving physical activity throughout her day to keep her body resilient as she grows older.

Dancing Into Brain Longevity
To keep her mind sharp, Ferree doesn’t just meditate or read — she dances. Recently, she took up salsa, a skill that combines rhythm, coordination and memory.

“You’re using the top part of your body and the bottom part of your body in different ways, and then your brain,” she explains. “Salsa is probably one of the best exercises because of that.”

She believes learning new skills — especially those involving movement — gives the brain a powerful workout. For her, meditation is equally non-rigid. It can mean quiet reflection or a spontaneous dance session in her living room.

Relationships That Strengthen Health
Ferree doesn’t underestimate the role of human connection. She regularly spends time with her partner, their families and a close circle of friends. She also retreats with a yoga and meditation community.

Strong social bonds, she says, are a critical pillar of longevity. “Connecting with others is as important for health as sleep or diet,” she emphasizes.

Eating the Rainbow
Ferree’s plate is as vibrant as her routine. She swears by eating “as many colors as possible” and pays attention to the order in which she eats — vegetables first, protein second, carbohydrates last — to keep blood sugar stable.

She avoids packaged foods, opting for whole options like asparagus and purple sweet potatoes. Her dietary approach is rooted in science-backed strategies to reduce inflammation and support long-term health.

While food nourishes the body, reading fuels Ferree’s mind. Her current reading list includes “Conscious Loving” and “The Midnight Library,” balancing self-growth with storytelling.

A Simple Philosophy for a Complex Problem
Dr. Suzanne Ferree’s routine isn’t built on radical hacks or elite biohacking tools. It’s a carefully woven blend of movement, mindfulness, connection, colorful nutrition and lifelong learning.

As a double board-certified physician and founder of Vine Medical Associates, she has treated patients worldwide for chronic diseases and human performance needs. Her message is clear: longevity isn’t about chasing youth but nurturing your health from the inside out.

“Longevity starts with what you do every day,” she says. “And those things can be surprisingly simple.”
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