Fady Chreih, CEO Regina Maria: Longevity is just a facet of prevention

Fady Chreih is the CEO of REGINA MARIA the Healthcare Network, a leading provider on the private healthcare market in Romania. Since 2018, he has also been Chairman of the Board of Directors of MediGroup, the leader of the private healthcare market in Serbia. He completed various specialized courses at Harvard, Stanford University, as well as INSEAD and London Business School.

In the past years, Fady Chreih has been increasingly involved in promoting an equitable access to quality education, being a member of the Teach for Romanian’s board since 2016.

Together with Regina Maria’s over 11,000 employees and collaborators, Fady Chreih supports the development of responsible and sustainable organizations, which start with a solid internal culture. 

In this interview, Fady Chreih shares with us more about the concept of longevity healthcare and why longevity should become an intrinsic part of preventive care.

1. What is longevity healthcare and why should a healthcare provider focus on this aspect?

When hearing about “longevity”, many people might associate the concept with something out of a science fiction novel, involving technologies too far into the future or treatments so expensive that they are out of reach for the majority of people.

In reality, longevity medicine addresses the specific care needs that arise as we age and is viewed as a complex extension of preventive medicine. Just as pediatricians are dedicated to children’s health, longevity doctors are concerned with physical health and slow, healthy aging. Longevity healthcare is a complex process that often begins with changes each of us can make to improve our lifestyles and mitigate the risks that accelerate the aging process – better nutrition, more exercise, better sleep are just few examples. We see a relevant trend nowadays in research to reveal the biological processes behind cell aging and how this can be stopped or even reversed. For instance, we currently have genetic testing that highlights our biological age and indicates how our bodies are coping with the aging process, as well as personalized treatments targeting specific factors that accelerate the aging processes for each patient – and we are only scratching the surface. 

The purpose of longevity healthcare is not only to contribute to a longer life, in terms of quantity, but, more importantly, to maximize the number of quality life years. Nobody lives forever, but everyone should live long and healthy lives. Thus, longevity is actually just a facet of prevention, and should be considered, by any healthcare provider, an intrinsic part of overall health. This is why, as the leader in the quality of medical services in Romania, we aim to bring the latest anti-aging medical processes, innovations, technologies and treatment plans to our patients. And we are doing this through the Regina Maria Longevity Center that we opened in Bucharest.

2. At what age should we start focusing on longevity healthcare?

While it is never too late to become concerned about your overall health and how to slow down the aging process, the sooner you make changes, the better the results will be. At Regina Maria Longevity Center, our anti-aging assessment and planning programs are specifically tailored to the needs of each age group, starting with active people in their 30s. The consensus among the medical specialists is that the best time to start implementing changes to slow down the aging process and improve your quality of life as you get older is somewhere between 30 and 45 years old – this is the best interval to start focusing on longevity in order to maximize the benefits.

However, we aim to increase awareness regarding the concept of longevity throughout all generations and age groups, because, unfortunately, the aging of the population is more accelerated in Romania than in other countries. In many Romanian patients, biological age far exceeds the chronological one. The factors are multiple and include the lack of a prevention culture – which we are slowly changing, through our medical subscriptions that encourage accessing medical services preventively -, as well as the high morbidity rates in our country, sometimes significantly higher than European averages. We hope that by informing at least the currently mature patients, aged between 30 – 60, we will avoid the phenomenon we are now witnessing: of many Romanians over 65 years of age reporting a sudden drop in life quality because of an accelerated aging process. 

3. Name 3 myths about longevity, from a healthcare provider point of view.

Two of them I might have mentioned already: that longevity is a concept from science fiction novels or that longevity treatments and solutions are so expensive as to only be available to very few. A third one might be related to accessibility: more precisely, that the best longevity treatments are only available outside our country. 

We aim to debunk all these myths through Regina Maria Longevity Center. Our mission has always been to provide healthcare services at the highest international standards for Romanian patients, and we make no exceptions as far as longevity is concerned. At the Center, the patients have access to the latest genetic testing and the most innovative treatments in the field, all highly personalized to cater to the needs of each individual.  

4. How much is longevity a result of lifestyle and how much is longevity a result of good genetics? What solutions does Regina Maria offer to Romanian patients when it comes to longevity?

Genetics certainly plays a role in the aging process, as does lifestyle, but it is impossible to give each of them an exact “share”. Another factor that contributes to aging, for example, is the mental one – the overall attitude we have regarding life, in general, and the idea of getting older, in particular.  The key is to understand how all of them affect every individual and to develop a personalized longevity plan. At Regina Maria, we want to help patients live longer and live better lives, past 80, 90 or even 100 years old. I firmly believe that, due to the latest innovations in medicine available today and to future technologies that are set to enter the field in the following years, children born now may very well live to be 130 years old. 

5. Tell us about Regina Maria Longevity Center.

Regina Maria Longevity Center was developed as part of our One Health concept – a unified vision and approach that sees the importance of all aspects – mind and body – for overall health from the beginning throughout the entire lifetime. The Center offers a comprehensive, modern, and effective approach that determines health needs and risks, regardless of age, with the aim of slowing down the aging process. Personalized strategies are used to avoid, delay and properly manage the conditions that occur as we grow older. The longevity programs we develop are highly individualized, focused on the patient’s specific needs and genetic background.

Longevity, The Key to a Quality Life and How to Achieve It – recommendations from Regina Maria

For a longer, healthier life, Regina Maria Health Network offers all BRAND MINDS participants:

We all aspire to live longer and better, but the secret to longevity lies not only in our genetic inheritance but also in the healthy habits we cultivate daily. A balanced lifestyle, focused on prevention and attentiveness to the body’s signals, can extend both the duration and the quality of life. So, what are the actual changes that make the difference in terms of slowing down the aging process?

Balanced Diet and Regular Physical Activity

A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats, along with avoiding processed foods, significantly contributes to long-term health maintenance. Regular physical activity is also essential. An exercise program tailored to each stage of life, including both resistance and flexibility exercises, helps maintain optimal physical condition and prevent many age-related conditions.

The Importance of Stress Management and Sleep

Chronic stress is a silent enemy of longevity. Effectively managing it through relaxation techniques, meditation, or hobbies that bring us joy can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other conditions. Moreover, quality sleep is essential. Research shows that those who sleep well have a longer life expectancy and a higher quality of life.

“Rest is fundamental for the body’s regeneration and for maintaining a healthy biological rhythm,” emphasizes, Associate Professor Dr. Ana Capisizu, Coordinator of the Regina Maria Longevity Center, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Senior Medical Doctor in Geriatrics and Gerontology.

Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine

Preventive and anti-aging medicine plays a crucial role in extending life. It involves constantly monitoring health through regular tests, screenings, and adopting preventive measures appropriate for each stage of life.

“Aging is inevitable, but it can be managed in a way that allows us to enjoy a long and active life,” explains Dr. Ana Capisizu. Increasingly, experts recommend integrating dietary supplements, hormonal therapies, and other personalized interventions to slow down the aging process.

Social Interaction and Maintaining a Purpose in Life

Quality interpersonal relationships and engaging in activities that provide a clear purpose are factors that contribute to a long and fulfilling life. Studies show that people with an active social network and community involvement have a lower risk of developing dementia and other age-related mental conditions. “Longevity is not just measured in years, but in the quality of interactions and the sense of belonging,” adds Dr. Capisizu.

Transforming Life Through These Habits

Adopting a healthy lifestyle not only extends life but also changes our perspective on it. Increased energy, improved mental and physical well-being, and the ability to enjoy every moment are just a few of the direct benefits. Additionally, these habits help us avoid or more effectively manage potential health issues, allowing us to live life to the fullest, regardless of age. “A quality life is the result of conscious daily choices, not luck,” concludes Dr. Ana Capisizu.

Longevity is a natural result of a conscious and balanced lifestyle. By integrating healthy habits and focusing on prevention, we can ensure that the years we live are not only numerous, but also of good quality.