Deanna Wickey Wellness

What if one of the most important signs of healthy aging isn’t a number on a lab report?

A new study published in JAMA Network Open followed more than 13,000 adults age 65 and older for about seven years.

Researchers looked at something very practical: how well people could actually move.

They measured balance and agility, lower-body strength, and cardiovascular fitness — and people who performed better on these measures had a lower risk of dying during the follow-up period.

Now, that does NOT mean standing on one leg or doing chair stands will magically make you live longer. This was an observational study, so it found an association — not cause and effect.

But I think there’s an important message here:

**Healthy aging isn’t only about the numbers. It’s also about function.**

Can you get up from a chair comfortably?

Can you maintain your balance?

Can you walk, climb stairs and move through your day with confidence?

Can your muscles support the life you want to keep living?

We talk a lot about lifespan. I think we need to talk just as much about **healthspan — maintaining our strength, mobility and independence for as many of those years as possible.**

That’s what healthy aging means to me.

Which do you think we tend to neglect most as we get older — **strength, balance or cardiovascular fitness?**

Follow Deanna Wickey Wellness for practical, science-aware conversations about healthy aging without the hype.

Are we getting the PROTEIN conversation wrong?

Protein is everywhere right now.

High-protein snacks. Protein shakes. Protein coffee. And plenty of advice telling us we simply need MORE.

But new longevity research is making this conversation much more interesting.

A major scientific review looking at more than 350 studies found evidence that reducing overall protein—or certain amino acids—may influence metabolic and cellular pathways involved in aging.

But before anyone throws away their protein shake, there’s an important catch.

Our protein needs aren’t necessarily the same at every stage of life.

As we age, maintaining muscle becomes increasingly important. Muscle supports strength and mobility, but it also plays an important role in metabolism, physical function, and our ability to remain independent.

And research in older adults continues to support adequate protein—particularly when paired with resistance exercise—to help preserve that muscle.

So the takeaway ISN’T:

❌ Protein is bad.

And it ISN’T:

❌ More protein is always better.

The real takeaway?

Healthy aging is much more individualized than either of those statements.

After more than 20 years working in aesthetics and wellness, this is exactly why I’m so interested in the science of biological aging.

We’re moving beyond simply asking:

“How long can I live?”

And beginning to ask:

“How well can my body function during those years?”

THAT is the healthy-aging conversation I want us having here.

Have you been intentionally trying to eat more protein lately? I’d love to hear what you’re doing.

Something new is coming to Deanna Wickey Wellness.

For more than 20 years, I focused on helping people look and feel their best from the outside.

Life—and caregiving—changed the way I see health, aging, strength, and the years ahead.

Now I’m bringing those experiences together with the science of how our bodies function from the inside out.

AGE REINVENTED

What if getting older didn’t have to mean feeling older?

I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on.

Coming soon.

After more than 20 years in aesthetics, I’ve learned that skin often reflects what is happening throughout the body.

Sleep, stress, hydration, nutrition, inflammation, and hormones can all influence how skin looks and feels.

A good skincare routine matters—but healthy skin is rarely about products alone.

The best approach is usually both:

support the skin from the outside and support the body from the inside.

That inside-out connection is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my years as a Master Aesthetician, spa owner, and educator.

Of course Blake Shelton asked me to have lunch with him! Normally i would have said darn i am busy working! Not anymore! Drinks on me at Red broadway st Tenn thanks Blake!

Nashville bound! 🎶✨

Bill is behind the wheel, and I’m using the drive to catch up, make plans and work on a little business idea along the way.

That’s one thing I’m really loving about this new season—my wellness and my work can travel with me. No office required… although having a handsome chauffeur certainly helps! 😂

I’m excited for a few days of learning, connecting and bringing home some fresh ideas from Nashville. Stay tuned… 💙

A little progress is still progress—and I’m very happy to see my numbers moving in the right direction. ❤️

Have you had your cholesterol checked lately?

Were any of your results a surprise?

Almost time for Nashville.

I’m packing my notebook, my curiosity, and a whole lot of excitement for this next chapter.

My goal is simple:

Learn what’s meaningful.
Bring back what’s practical.
Share what can actually help women feel more supported in their energy, healthy aging, and everyday life.

More soon. 💚

PS Yes this is was my beautiful paint horse Patches! AKA Houdini

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Nothing sweeter than family time with my little grandson, William. 💙 These are the moments that make my heart so full!