Getting Old but Staying Strong
Giving Methuselah a run for his money.
Was he fishing for a tip? I was talking to my lawn care guy of 20+ years last week and he stopped in mid-sentence and then asked, “Why haven’t you changed? Over twenty years and you still look the same!”
Aging is a Choice
Those that follow me know I plan on living a long and healthy life. Yes, I’m blessed with genetics that make reaching extreme old age likely, but I want it to be a healthy and strong old age, so I seek out lots of research on slowing aging, both through physical activities and what I consume. These two things play the biggest roles outside of DNA when it comes to aging well…or my goal, not at all.
I take quite a few dietary supplements every day. You’ve already heard about my favorite one, creatine, but coming in at a close second is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide aka NAD+.
NAD+ occurs naturally in every cell, where it plays a critical role in energy transportation. When not enough NAD+ is present, the cells go into “electrical brownout” mode, focusing on keeping primary life support running, but lacking the energy to do all that they need to be doing. As we age, for some unknown reason, cellular NAD+ concentrations drop. The negative results of this are many. Two of the most noticeable are reduced physical strength and “aging” skin. Skin cells burn a lot of energy when young because its the first line of defense against the world. When that energy is no longer available, skin loses elasticity and the ability to repair itself, turning saggy and blemished. Sidenote - yes, I’m vain.
Benefits of NAD+
I must be honest with you, most of the really great results of taking NAD+ are based on animal studies. Testing for similar results in humans is just beginning, but promising. Confirmed animal testing include:
Boosted muscle function and strength - better muscle performance, less muscle loss (sarcopenia), improved walking/movement ability, and faster recovery from exercise or injury
Reduced insulin sensitivity - reduced weight gain or fat buildup (especially in high-fat diet models), improved blood sugar control
Improved mitochondrial function - helps fix damaged or inefficient mitochondria, increases energy production, reduces harmful byproducts like reactive oxygen species (which damage cells), and supports better overall cell energy reserves
Improved heart/vascular health - blood vessel flexibility
Stronger bones - maintains/increases bone density
Preserved fertility/reproductive function - reduces egg damage over time in females
Reduced brain degeneration - less cognitive decline from issues like Alzheimer’s or brain injury
Extends healthspan - animals stay more active, show delayed frailty, better physical resilience, and fewer signs of aging in tissues.
Increases lifespan in some cases - 5-10% extensions in average lifespan
Again, these are documented results of increasing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in animal cells via addition of NAD+ to their feed. Moving on to humans, scientific testing has confirmed:
Improved strength and endurance - better walking distance or muscle performance in older adults
Reduced fatigue - better sleep quality
Improved cognition - gains in executive brain function
This doesn’t mean the other benefits don’t occur, but rather human testing is still ongoing. Once you get into the cells, they all use the same biochemical energy processes regardless of man or mouse, so I personally feel as the testing continues, the same powers will be found. Also, while NAD+ may turn back the clock some, its better to think of it as slowing the clock moving forward. The sooner you start, the better the long-term results will be.
My Preferred NAD+
This is the NAD+ I like because two capsules give 1000mg per day which is the medium-size dose. On class or rock climbing days I occasionally add a third capsule to bump up to 1500mg. Nutricost NAD+ Supplement 1,000mg per Serving,120 Capsules
The world is pretty crazy right now and will be for quite some time. This is not a time to be weak if you can do things that will help you be strong. I want you to be strong and enjoy a good life, hence why I write all this. Based on your emails, this work is appreciated. The tribe’s health is getting better and better!
Upcoming Foraging Classes
Feb. 28th, 2026 Plant Walkabout near Wimberley, TX (9am-1pm)
Mar. 7th, 2026 Weed & Feed in Houston, TX (11am-?pm)
Mar. 21st, 2026 Plant Walkabout near Wimberley, TX (8am-12pm)
Mar. 22nd, 2026 Plant Walkabout at the Houston Arboretum (1pm-5pm)
April 16th, 2026 Plant Presentation in San Antonio, TX (Time TBD)
April 19th, 9am-12pm Plant Walkabout near Waller, TX (9am-12pm)
Apr. 25th, 2026 Plant Walkabout near Wimberley, TX (8am-12pm)
May 2nd, 2026 Plant Walkabout in Collin County, TX (9am-1pm)
May 2nd, 2026 Plant Walkabout in Collin County, TX (2pm-5pm)*
May 30th, 2026 Plant Walkabout near Wimberley, TX (8am-12pm)
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Thanks
I really want to do one of your walk abouts but im not sure im in good enough shape. I was in a car accident t last year and two years before that I had surgery on a slipped disk. What kind of distance should I need to walk?