By Peter BowesImagine reconnecting with an old school friend, reminiscing about the good old days, and discovering you share a deep interest in health and longevity? That's exactly what happened when I caught up with Peter Allison, my classmate from the 1970s. We took a trip down memory lane, discussing our school days  - the good, the bad and the ugly - including our knack for avoiding physical education by playing chess. Beyond the nostalgia, Peter and I explored how to optimize our health as we age, and what we've learned so far. This is the first of a regular series of conversations, not so much turning back, but looking forward to the next chapter in our lives. Peter A. is a geology professor, well used to analyzing scientific papers, and together we will be casting our inquisitive but critical eyes over the latest longevity research.Topics covered in this conversation include:Peter Bowes and Peter Allison discuss their school days and memories of their time together, including their shared dislike of physical education and love of learning.Peter A. recounts the encouragement he received to chase his dreams and how aging could impact his physical aspirations moving forward.Peter A. shares his career journey as an academic and geologist, highlighting his passion for ecological research and diving.Challenges with weight and muscle loss as we grow older,The importance of finding a project to focus on during retirement and shared the lessons learned in pursuit of personal growth.Experimenting with fasting methodsThe importance of resistance training and weight lifting, and how it can help us maintain our health as we age.New research: The potential benefits of taurine for extending life and improving health, noting the dosage of taurine required for potential benefits is much higher than would be practical for human consumption. New research: Napping and long life, plus the role genetics play in our sleep sensitivities. DISCOUNTS▸ The aging process affects our cells much earlier than you might think - it leads to a slower metabolism, FlexBeam red light therapyRecharge Health is offering LLAMA listeners an $80.00 discount on the purchase of FlexBeam, the wearable red light therapy device which targets key parts of the body to improve sleep, treat injuries and sooth aches and pains associated with aging.  Use code LLAMA at checkout- DoNotAgeDoNotAge.org is offering listeners to LLAMA a 10% discount on its range of products – NAD boosters, Sirtuin activators, senolytics and more.  Any health queries can be answered by emailing the team at hello@donotage.orgUse the code LLAMA at checkout. - Time-line Mitopure (a highly pure form of Urolithin A) boosts the health of our mitochondria – the battery packs of our cells – and improves muscle strength. Time-line is offering LLAMA listeners a 10% discount on its range of products – Mitopure powders, softgels & skin creams.  Use the code LLAMA at checkout-Support the showThe Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.