Abstract
In medical school, we quickly learn to identify
risk factors, diagnose diseases, and treat
complications. However, we are rarely taught
to observe with the same attention what
keeps a person healthy for decades. At this
point in our training—when theory is no
longer enough, and clinical practice begins to
confront us with complex realities—an
inevitable question arises: why do some
people age with functionality, autonomy, and
purpose, while others go through old age
with illness?