Live Well Longer

Secrets to your healthiest life. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( December 27, 2023 Good morning! Our Best of 2023 editions continue today with [our guide to living your longest, strongest life](, a look at [how the rules of tipping have changed](, and a recommendation for [the heaven-sent pillow]( Wake-Up Callers can't get enough of. We'll also examine [a big shift in American religion](, share some of [our favorite videos of the year](, and much more.   Reaching Peaks [Illustration of a clock with an image of a person climbing a mountain inside]( KCM/Getty Images Ever wondered [which exercises are best for increasing your lifespan](? Or maybe you're curious about [simple substitutions that can improve your health](. Wherever your interest lies, we can all agree on wanting the highest-quality life, and that's why we got [top scientists' advice for boosting your longevity](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fhealth%2Faging%2Fhow-to-live-longer%2F   More Stories [Illustration of people leaving a church]( Illustration by Sébastien Thibault Walking away: Fifty years ago, 90% of Americans called themselves Christian; today, that's down to 64%. And only one in four U.S. residents currently associate themselves with any official faith whatsoever. We took a closer look at [why more and more people are turning away from religion](. Feeling blue? With so many heavy stories this year, it's not uncommon to be experiencing sadness that seems especially acute. To help perk you up, we spoke to a nutritionist about [the best foods to combat depression](. Grappling with gratuities: If you've found yourself grumbling when a restaurant's cashier hits you with that dreaded iPad asking for 20% on top of your takeout order, you're not alone. We unpack [the modern expectations around leaving a tip](.   Let's Sweat [Ryan Cooper]( CooperFit We've got something very special in store for 2024! Starting next Wednesday, actor and fitness expert Ryan Cooper is bringing us a weekly column to help meet your health goals in a holistic way, complete with exercises, recipes, meditation techniques, and much more. He'll also be offering Wake-Up Callers an exclusive discount on [his extensive programs](, so keep an eye out for more soon.   Gold Rush [Gerry from The Golden Bachelor]( KCM/ABC The Golden Bachelor had all of us hooked this fall. We had such a blast breaking down the show with you each week, and [my chat with Gerry and his future wife]( was the cherry on top of a delicious TV sundae. Here's a take on [the show's headline-grabbing controversies]( — plus, predictions for [whether we'll get The Golden Bachelorette, too](.   In Focus [Illustration of a person's digestive system under a magnifying glass]( Getty Images Processing the food we eat is a shared human experience, but we don't talk much about the ins and outs of how it... happens. We caught up with a gastroenterologist who answered [questions about digestion you may be too embarrassed to ask](. [READ MORE]( [Supported by Exact Sciences](   Watch and Learn Have you checked out [our YouTube channel](? It's overflowing with thought-provoking videos that are definitely worth your time, including these highlights from 2023: - One year after the death of Mahsa Amini, I caught up with activist Nazanin Boniadi about [what life is like now for women in Iran](. - Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox, explores how Israel responded to Hamas's attack and [where the war could go from here](. - In a Katie Couric Media exclusive, we spoke with the widow of R&B crooner Bobby Caldwell about [the shocking story of how antibiotics cost him his life](. - Actress Andie MacDowell and I had a refreshingly honest chat about [why she likes getting older](. - Are celebrity tequila brands actually any good? [We asked a group of outspoken moms to put them to the test](. [KEEP WATCHING](   Extra Credit [Taylor Swift]( Getty Images Love story: She captured our hearts years ago, but 2023 was definitely Taylor Swift's year, including [a major accomplishment](. Between the unmatched Eras Tour and [the romance that's gotten everyone talking](, it's safe to say we'll be obsessing over this superstar for the foreseeable future. Money made easy: Ready to start the new year on the right foot? Consider simplifying the way you bank with these [4 modern conveniences that'll whip your wallet into shape](. Serious savings: J.Crew is keeping the holiday spirit alive with [this incredible sale]( on styles you'll carry into 2024 and beyond.   Out Like a Light [A dog in bed with a sleep mask]( KCM / Getty Images Is "better sleep" one of your goals for 2024? We're totally with you — and we highly recommend adding these items to your bedside arsenal to instantly improve your doze. - You spend about a third of your life asleep, so the right mattress is key. [This trusted pick from Casper]( is on sale now, and if you need more convincing, [here's why we love it](. - We're big fans of [this highly reviewed mattress protector]( from Sweet Zzz. It's made of organic, eucalyptus-based fiber designed to offer a cooler, more comfortable sleep than traditional cotton. - Top it off with [the pillow Wake-Up Callers go crazy for](. We tested it ourselves, and here's a look at [how it'll stop your soreness](.   One More Thing [Jenni Kayne's cozy cashmere cardigan]( dominated our readers' shopping carts this year, and we get why! [Our full review of this wardrobe staple]( has all the proof you need that you'll wear it for years to come. [READ MORE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you've got questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. 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