Ep. 356: How Well Do You Want to Age? with Scott Fulton

What if the real goal isn’t simply living longer… but staying healthy, capable, sharp, and independent for as long as possible?
In this fascinating conversation, Rip sits down with researcher, educator, and author Scott Fulton to explore the rapidly growing world of healthspan and longevity. Scott is the author of Whealthspan and his newest book, Function: Turn Your Blind Spots Into Strengths, where he challenges the way we think about aging, movement, purpose, brain health, and everyday function.
Together, Rip and Scott unpack why America continues to lag behind the rest of the world in life expectancy, how our daily habits quietly shape our future independence, and why your “blind spots” may matter more than your strengths.
They also dive into the overlooked role of hearing, vision, balance, grip strength, community, movement, and fiber in protecting long-term brain and body health.
This conversation is practical, hopeful, deeply motivating — and a reminder that healthy aging starts long before old age.
You’ll Learn:
Why healthspan matters more than lifespan
The hidden predictors of dementia and cognitive decline
How hearing and vision loss impact brain health
Why balance and grip strength matter as you age
The five pillars of “Whealthspan”
Why movement is medicine
The connection between isolation and longevity
Why fiber may be one of the most important nutrients for long-term health
The danger of “everything in moderation”
How small daily habits compound over time
The importance of purpose, curiosity, and meaningful moments
Why most people don’t recognize their biggest health blind spots
How to build a body and life that supports independence later in life
Learn More About our 2027 Live Plant Strong Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
Our new Meal Planner is LIVE: visit https://goplantstrong.com/ and use code podcast to receive an additional $10 off an annual subscription (It’s just $69/year!)
Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey
Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/
COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer
Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn
https://plantstrong.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong
https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/
https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/
Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Watch the Episode on YouTube