Mike Young and Denise Young specialize in HealthSpan and Longevity. Help to ensure a lasting legacy of Health Optimization via your tax deductible gift of cash, real estate, or other property here: aplantbaseddiet.org/give/
DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. We do not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, exercise or other lifestyle program.
Be sure your doctor is Board Certified in Lifestyle Medicine!
aPlantBasedDiet.org
Now is the perfect time to book your vacation you don’t have to recover from!
The Health Optimization Safari is your once in a lifetime trip to Africa in December! Must book before the end of April! Details here: HealthOptimizationSafari.org/
The Health Optimization Cruise is your annual winter escape to the Caribbean in January! + prices just got lower! Details here: HealthOptimizationCruise.org/
Have FUN minus the health harming food with Mike & Denise ‘56 years’ Young!!
1 week ago | [YT] | 5
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aPlantBasedDiet.org
The Fun, Free Habit That’s Guaranteed to Supercharge Your HealthSpan and Longevity: Nurturing Meaningful Social Connections!
By Mike & Denise “56 years” Young
Passionate Advocates for HealthSpan and Longevity
Hello, fellow health optimizers!
If there’s one daily habit that’s as enjoyable as it is powerful for transforming your wellbeing, it’s this: nurturing meaningful social connections. We picked this gem at random from the evidence-based toolkit that aligns our bodies with nature—and it’s a standout choice. It’s not something we’ve deep-dived before, yet it’s absolutely essential for the framework proven to help eradicate noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. Best of all, it makes life way more fun while delivering rock-solid health gains.
As co-leaders of the Health Optimization Club and our aPlantBasedDiet.org nonprofit, Denise and I have seen firsthand how gathering with friends and neighbors turns everyday moments into celebrations. Whether it’s a lively town square hop, a shared plant-based meal, or a simple heartfelt chat, these connections light up our days. And the science backs it up 100%: this habit isn’t just nice—it’s a game-changer for longevity and joy.
Here’s the friendly reminder: this habit spotlights Pillar 6 of the Lifestyle Medicine framework—Social Connections (also called positive social connection or connectedness). Our complete 12-step approach combines the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine with the six HVF nutritional pillars for food that’s as organic and chemical-free as possible. Social connections weave beautifully with all of them, amplifying the power of plant-based nutrition, physical activity, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, restorative sleep, and the HVF guidelines (whole plant fiber, zero animal products, zero added oil keeping fat at 10% max calories, zero added salt/sodium, zero alcohol, and zero refined sugar—with dates, molasses, and maple syrup okay). Together, they align us with nature to prevent and even reverse NCDs.
The evidence is overwhelming and exciting. A landmark meta-analysis of 148 studies involving over 308,000 people found that individuals with stronger social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival compared to those with weaker ties. That’s comparable to quitting smoking! The Harvard Study of Adult Development—the longest scientific study on happiness, spanning 85+ years—concludes that the quality of our relationships is the single biggest predictor of a happy, healthy, long life. As its director Dr. Robert Waldinger puts it, “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier.” People with robust social networks report higher life satisfaction, slower cognitive decline, and even slower biological aging at the cellular level.
On the flip side, the CDC, WHO, and U.S. Surgeon General highlight the dangers of isolation and loneliness: they raise the risk of premature death by 26-29%, heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and dementia by 50%. Loneliness also fuels inflammation, elevates stress hormones, and doubles the odds of depression and anxiety. Strong social ties do the opposite—they lower blood pressure, boost immunity, reduce chronic inflammation, and foster resilience against NCDs. In short, this habit doesn’t just add years to your life; it adds vibrant, joyful life to your years.
And oh, the FUN factor! Imagine waking up energized, knowing a quick coffee chat, group walk, or neighborhood dance could spark laughter that lasts all day. Social connections flood your brain with feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—nature’s built-in mood boosters. They turn challenges into shared stories, ordinary meals into feasts of connection, and solo routines into adventures. These moments don’t just support health—they make every day sparkle with purpose, belonging, and pure delight.
The best part? Improving this habit is totally FREE and comes with zero negative side effects. No equipment, no pills, no costs—just pick up the phone, knock on a neighbor’s door, join a club, or host a gathering. Positive connections only enhance your life, with no downsides when they’re genuine and supportive.
If practical, no-nonsense habits that are guaranteed to produce positive health results interest you—along with avoiding consuming food that’s known to harm human health—be sure to check out our annual January HealthOptimizationCruise.org/ that sails the Caribbean and join us!! We curate fun experiences with food that doesn’t harm humans, all while diving deeper into the six pillars and HVF guidelines in paradise.
Thank YOU for prioritizing your Health!
Warmly,
Mike & Denise “56 years” Young
Co-Leaders, Health Optimization Club | aPlantBasedDiet.org
Questions to spark connection (and boost our community chat!):
What’s one fun way you already nurture social connections that brings a smile to your face?
Has a special friendship or group ever helped you through a tough time or boosted your energy—how?
What new social habit will you try this week to amp up the fun and health in your life?
If you could plan the ultimate “connection-boosting” event with plant-based goodness, what would it look like?
We can’t wait to hear your stories—share below and let’s keep the good vibes flowing! 🌱❤️
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 4
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aPlantBasedDiet.org
JOIN OUR Health Optimization Club in The Villages, FL for a truly healthy and delicious authentic Indian Lunch THIS SATURDAY / TOMORROW!
** A FEW SEATS STILL REMAIN FOR PURCHASE **
This Private INDIAN LUNCH BUFFET Event features 100% plant based food that will not harm your health! It’s the ONLY place you can get such food locally!! 🌱🌱🌱
Learn more & buy tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e/1982610379014?aff=oddtdtcreat…
Watch the preview video from Mike ‘56 years’ Young here: https://youtu.be/uwd3Sde2SII?si=5tfOJ...
Watch the video from last time: youtube.com/shorts/jLR8yEhzoA...
Join our free Health Club in The Villages here: www.facebook.com/share/g/1AGGSKAjVr/?mibextid=wwXI…
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 7
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aPlantBasedDiet.org
JOIN OUR Health Optimization Club in The Villages, FL for a truly healthy and delicious authentic Indian Lunch THIS SATURDAY!
MENU JUST ANNOUNCED…
Gobi Manchurian
Chana Masala
Eggplant Barta
Veg Biriyani
Lentil Dal
Aloo Gobi
Saag Mushroom
Tikka Masala
Dessert: sweet rice
vegan naan
** TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE BEFORE 11:30pm WEDNESDAY **
This Private INDIAN LUNCH BUFFET Event features 100% plant based food that will not harm your health! It’s the ONLY place you can get such food locally!! 🌱🌱🌱
Learn more & buy tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e/1982610379014?aff=oddtdtcreat…
Watch the preview video from Mike ‘56 years’ Young here: https://youtu.be/uwd3Sde2SII?si=5tfOJ...
Watch the video from last time: youtube.com/shorts/jLR8yEhzoA...
Join or free Health Club in The Villages here: www.facebook.com/share/g/1AGGSKAjVr/?mibextid=wwXI…
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 2
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aPlantBasedDiet.org
** TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE BEFORE 4:30pm SATURDAY **
This is your sign to prioritize your good health by purchasing tickets to our one time Health Optimization Indian Buffet DINNER happening this Monday the 23rd in Bonita Springs! We’ll have the entire restaurant to ourselves, and parking is easy right out front!
BUY HERE: www.eventbrite.com/e/1984452376478?aff=oddtdtcreat…
Menu…
Gobi Manchurian
Chana Masala
Eggplant Barta
Veg Biriyani
Lentil Dal
Aloo Gobi
Saag Mushroom
Tikka Masala
Dessert: sweet rice
Appetizer: salad with nondairy yogurt dressing and vegan naan
1 month ago | [YT] | 6
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aPlantBasedDiet.org
Hey everyone in Bonita Springs, Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, and all of SWFL! 🌴🌱
JUST ANNOUNCED!
Health Optimization Indian Buffet in Bonita Springs on Monday the 23rd!
Seats must be purchased in advance! 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Details + Tickets HERE: www.eventbrite.com/e/1984452376478?aff=oddtdtcreat…
FUN times along with food that doesn’t harm your health! 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
It’s a real Win / Win and truly guilt free!
1 month ago | [YT] | 9
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aPlantBasedDiet.org
Hello Everyone!
The same brand new Dr. Greger movie we screened prerelease on the 2026 Health Optimization Cruise is now available to watch for FREE on our non-profit YouTube Channel!
Please watch, share, and subscribe while you’re there!
https://youtu.be/hdklfuqjdzI?si=dnKmw...
1 month ago | [YT] | 15
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aPlantBasedDiet.org
NAPLES / SWFL Folks!
Meet likeminded local people that want to do the best they can for their health, while eating a wonderful meal of food together that doesn’t harm your health… what a concept! 🌱🌱🌱🌱
This special fully organic Farm to Table dinner is only available once per year so don’t miss it!
The outdoor sunset feast happens THIS SATURDAY and the weather is expected to be an amazing 75 degrees!
Tickets must be purchased in advance here: www.eventbrite.com/e/1266084525899?aff=oddtdtcreat…
*** Ticket sales end at 11:30pm Thursday so don’t wait ***
1 month ago | [YT] | 6
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aPlantBasedDiet.org
Mike ‘56 years’ Young’s PINEAPPLE workout routine! 7 ripe yellow pineapples in each bag. One bag on each arm. 2 sets of 10 🏋️🏋️♀️🏋️♂️🍍🍍🍍
Buy your very own Health Optimization reusable shopping bags like the ones pictured here and help support the mission of our aPlantBasedDiet.org non-profit to eradicate non-communicable diseases in humans! CLICK HERE: aplantbaseddiet-org-shop.fourthwall.com/
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 7
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aPlantBasedDiet.org
The Unique Foodie MENU for the annual Naples Plants 2 Table dinner happening in just 10 DAYS has just been unveiled! Click here: www.eventbrite.com/e/1266084525899?aff=oddtdtcreat…
+ check out the creativity and thought that’s gone into this whole plant extravaganza! This multi course feast is a supreme delight for both your health and taste buds and ONLY available at this one time event!
1 month ago | [YT] | 4
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