Many people today are approaching aging with a new resolve to stay engaged, keep moving and enjoy life to the fullest. This focus on extending not just longevity but the healthy and active years of life – our healthspan – is a growing focus in health care too. Kimberly Besuden, DC, CFMP, who runs a practice that hosts wellness-minded practitioners of massage, acupuncture, skin care, functional medicine, as well as chiropractic, felt the urge to challenge her own health and physical fitness goals by becoming a competitive cyclist at age 60! Along the way she took a deep dive into the research of aging and longevity and developed an understanding of how “biohacking” can potentially extend healthy lifespan, which she shares with both practioners and patients. 
Look for Dr. Besuden’s program, “Longevity: Biohacking for Optimal Aging,” at Engage 2025 and register here. Below, learn more about her story and her interest in biohacking to enhance and extend health:
Q: How is the topic you are presenting at Engage 2025 relevant to today’s chiropractor?
We are all aging … not just our patients, practitioners too. My surrounding community is made up of active retirement-aged people. Biohacking for optimal aging is relevant because it empowers individuals to take control of their health, improve their quality of life, and potentially extend their healthy lifespan. By addressing potential issues before they arise, biohacking can help prevent age-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cognitive decline. Techniques like intermittent fasting, exercise optimization, and nutrient supplementation can maintain muscle mass, energy levels, and brain health as we age.
Q: What makes you an expert in this area?
As an aging athlete, I have been fascinated by this process. In my own quest for optimal aging and peak performance, I have taken the deep dive into research to find the best tools to make this a possibility. Now my passion is to share that with practitioners to advance their knowledge and create opportunities for their aging patient base.
Q: What first interested you in this topic?
In 2018, I turned 60 and decided I wanted to compete in the Senior Nationals. Having experience as an athlete over the years, I chose cycling as the sport I wanted to focus on for the competition. To compete at that level, I wanted to tap into all the best training practices. My background is in exercise physiology. With that advantage, I created a sport-specific strength training program. I switched to IF (intermittent fasting) and a low carb healthy fat lifestyle. Also most important, using whole food supplementation to support optimal aging and peak performance.
Q: Can you provide one or two takeaways from your presentation that Engage 2024 attendees will not want to miss?
Protein in extremely important in the optimal aging process. I have key insights on protein consumption, synthesis, and metabolism. Incorporating key supplementation to support brain and muscle health.
Q: How will what attendees take away make them better doctors?
As a practitioner, I take the statement “Practice what you preach” very seriously. Today’s patients are asking for this information on longevity. And patients want what you have if you are truly practicing what you preach!
Q: Being “engaged” in the chiropractic profession is a central theme of ACA Engage, the conference. How long have you presented at Engage or other conferences? What inspired you to start and/or what keeps you coming back to share knowledge with your colleagues in this way?
It is exciting to share resources and research with practitioners who are interested in learning, as well as challenging practitioners to engage their practices with opportunities for patients to be supported in their wellness journeys.
