Longevity Counselling & Management

With longevity counselling, we aim to offer a holistic and personalised plan addressing ways to increase healthspan (time we live healthy).

Getting older is inevitable, but how we age is something we can take charge of. There is a difference between chronological age and biological age. When you see a person who is a certain age (chronological age) but are surprised they look much younger and live life with a youthful intensity (biological age), that’s the aim, to have a biological age that’s less than your chronological age. At its core, longevity counselling and management is not just about adding years to life, but adding life to those years. It’s about feeling strong, sharp, and full of energy, even as the candles on the birthday cake keep increasing. It’s about being able to travel, hike or continue to achieve fitness goals well into your 70s or 80s. 

In Singapore, where people are living longer than ever before (an ageing population), the focus needs to shift from simply living longer to living better. That’s where longevity counselling comes in. Dr. Dinesh, an endocrinologist dedicated to improving healthspan, leads our science-backed approach to ageing well. Our strategies focus on the most critical factors, including hormonal balance, metabolic health, preventive screening, and lifestyle optimisation.

Whether you are in your 30s hoping to future-proof your health, or in your 60s looking to stay active and independent, longevity-focused care is tailored to help you maintain vitality, prevent  metabolic disease, and preserve/improve quality of life for the long run.

What is Longevity Counselling & Management?

Longevity Counselling & Management is a personalised approach to ageing that combines medical insight with proactive strategies to optimise your health as you grow older. It goes beyond conventional check-ups and instead focuses on identifying and modifying the factors that influence how well your body and mind functions over time. It is a reshift in focus from sick-care (treating people when disease occurs) to preventative care where we want to prevent or reverse risk factors before disease.

At its heart, this service is grounded in endocrinology, the branch of medicine that governs the body’s hormones and metabolism. By understanding how these systems influence ageing and disease, we can support healthier, more resilient bodies and minds for longer.

Longevity from an endocrinological perspective

Increased life expectancy means living longer, but longevity management aims for something more meaningful: a longer health span. Healthspan refers to the number of years a person lives in good health, free from chronic disease, frailty, or cognitive decline.

From an endocrinologist’s point of view, many age-related changes, such as loss of muscle and bone, the decline in sex hormones, or rising insulin resistance, are modifiable. Addressing these shifts early can make a significant difference in how someone ages. In other words, it’s not just about avoiding illness; it’s about actively preserving function, energy, and independence well into the later decades of life. We want you to continue doing what you do now, from daily exercise to travelling

The role of hormones and metabolism in healthy ageing

Hormones are the body’s messengers, regulating everything from energy, sleep, mood and muscle mass to bone density, libido, and cognitive sharpness. As we age, hormonal imbalances become more common, often without obvious symptoms at first. Similarly, metabolic changes like rising blood sugar, cholesterol levels, or visceral fat can quietly increase the risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, or dementia. At the same time sarcopenia (the loss of muscle with ageing) and osteoporosis (weak bones) need to be addressed as these conditions run the risk of destroying one’s quality of life. 

Longevity counselling identifies these subtle shifts early. By offering tailored metabolic optimisation plans, exercise guidance, targeted and comprehensive screenings, and solutions for hormone imbalances, we empower you to stay at the forefront of health.

This service is not about chasing youth, it’s about maintaining your quality of life: staying active, mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, and physically capable of doing the things you love. With the right medical support, ageing can be less about decline and more about continuity — of health, purpose, and vitality.

Metabolic Screening Packages at The Metabolic Clinic

Longevity begins with metabolic clarity. Our tiered screenings offer deeper insights at every level, from key biomarkers to full-body assessments, helping you stay ahead of ageing with a personalised, science-driven approach.

Essential Metabolic Screen (Blood test and specialist consultation) — $550

Screening of cardiovascular risk factors, bone and nutritional health. A reflection of metabolic health with multiple targetable biomarkers. This includes lipoprotein (a) testing, which should be done by everyone at least once to predict elevated cardiovascular risk.

Insulin Resistance	HbA1c, Fasting glucose
Lipid Health	Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, high sensitivity CRP, Lipoprotein(a)
Hormonal Health	Thyroid function
Bone Health	Calcium, Phosphate panel, Vitamin D
Organ Health	Kidney function, including urine testing, and liver function
Nutritional Health	Full blood count, Magnesium, Zinc, B12, Iron panel, Folic acid

ESSENTIAL LONGEVITY (Blood test, 1 scan and specialist consultation)  — $750

Includes bone mineral density, the best measure of bone health, interpreted by an osteoporosis specialist and tumour marker testing to screen for malignancy. Two factors that affect longevity and healthspan.

Insulin Resistance	HbA1c, Fasting glucose
Lipid Health	Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, high sensitivity CRP, Lipoprotein(a)
Hormonal Health	Thyroid function
Bone Health	Calcium, Phosphate panel, Vitamin D
Organ Health	Kidney function, including urine testing, and liver function
Nutritional Health	Full blood count, Magnesium, Zinc, B12, Iron panel, Folic acid
Cancer Screening	Faecal occult blood (FOBT), AFP, CEA, CA19.9, EBV, PSA in males and CA-125 in females
Metabolic Scans	DEXA Bone mineral density scan

LONGEVITY 360 (Blood test, 2 scans and specialist consultation) — $1250

Our flagship longevity screen combines DEXA body composition and bone mineral density scans to assess fat, muscle, and bone health with precision. It includes comprehensive hormonal panels, advanced cholesterol profiling with apolipoproteins, insulin resistance testing, and viral screening for chronic hepatitis — a major cause of liver disease in Singapore. With 61 key biomarkers, this in-depth evaluation offers a clear picture of your metabolic health and sets measurable targets for long-term optimisation.

Insulin Resistance	HbA1c, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, Fasting glucose
Lipid Health	Apolipoprotein A1, B, Homocysteine, Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, high sensitivity CRP, Lipoprotein(a)
Hormonal Health	Testosterone (males), Oestrogen and Progesterone (females), LH, FSH, Thyroid function
Bone Health	Calcium, Phosphate panel, Vitamin D
Organ Health	Hepatitis B and C, Kidney function, including urine testing, Liver function
Nutritional Health	Full blood count, Magnesium, Zinc, B12, Iron panel, Folic acid
Cancer Screening	Faecal occult blood (FOBT), AFP, CEA, CA19.9, EBV, PSA in males and CA-125 in females
Metabolic Scans	DEXA Body composition, DEXA Bone mineral density scan

Who should consider longevity counselling?

Longevity counselling is for anyone who wants to take a proactive role in their long-term health, not just treating illness, but preventing it before it begins. While many associate ageing with decline, the truth is that much of what we consider “normal ageing” is actually preventable or manageable with the right interventions.

This service is especially relevant for:

• Individuals in their 30s to 50s who want to optimise their health and energy for the decades ahead. These are the ideal years to address early signs of hormonal shifts, metabolic changes, and nutritional imbalances prior to permanent and irreversible disease.

• Health-conscious individuals who already lead an active lifestyle but want medical insight into how to further protect their longevity, enhance physical performance, and maintain cognitive clarity.

• Perimenopausal or postmenopausal women, and men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone (“Low T”), who may be dealing with symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood changes, weight gain, joint pains or reduced libido, often linked to hormonal decline.

• Adults with a family history of age-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, or dementia, who are looking to reduce their risk through personalised screening and prevention strategies.

• People recovering from illness or burnout, who are seeking long-term guidance on rebuilding resilience, strength, and metabolic health and potentially reverse disease where possible.

In short, if you are thinking beyond the next few years and looking toward the next few decades,  longevity counselling offers a proactive route to get the tools and medical guidance to help you age with strength, clarity, and purpose.

Key Areas Addressed in Longevity Management

Longevity management focuses on preserving and enhancing the systems that tend to decline with age, often silently, until symptoms surface. By addressing these areas early and consistently, we aim to support not just a longer life, but a more capable and fulfilling one.

Metabolic optimisation – lipids, glucose, and insulin control

Ageing is closely linked to metabolic health, with suboptimal LDL cholesterol, insulin resistance, obesity and uncontrolled blood pressure, all of which raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and cancer. When thinking of longevity, there is no lower limit to the benefit of a lower LDL. Tight lipid control, insulin sensitivity (often assessed via HOMA-IR), and stable glucose and blood pressure levels are foundational to slowing cellular ageing and preventing silent vascular damage.

Bone density and bone health – preventing silent fragility

Bone loss occurs gradually with age, especially in postmenopausal women and older men. Left unchecked, it increases the risk of fractures, reduced mobility, and long-term morbidity. Up to 75 percent of those who sustain a hip fracture cannot walk independently or are unable to achieve their previous level of independence afterwards. Through bone densitometry scans, nutritional and hormonal support, and medications where needed, we work to maintain strong, fracture-resistant bones for as long as possible.

Closely related is sarcopenia — the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. It affects mobility, balance, and overall vitality. One key indicator we monitor is grip strength, which is a powerful predictor of frailty and even mortality. Targeted interventions such as resistance training and protein optimisation can reverse or delay this decline.

Weight management and physical capacity

Maintaining a healthy body composition, not just in terms of weight but muscle-to-fat ratio, is central to healthy ageing. Our programme emphasises sustainable weight management, not crash diets, and promotes fitness strategies like Zone 2 cardio (moderate-intensity endurance training) and improving VO₂ max (a measure of cardiovascular and cellular fitness), both of which are strong predictors of longevity.

Cancer screening

Cancer risk increases with age, but many forms of cancer can be caught early, or even prevented, with the right screening tools. Longevity management includes age-appropriate cancer screening protocols based on personal and family history, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate checks. Next-generation cancer screening is available at The Metabolic Clinic with the use of tests that test for circulating tumor DNA.

Cognitive health and dementia prevention 

Cognitive decline often begins subtly, years before it becomes noticeable. While there is no single cure for dementia, several strategies, from vascular risk control and sleep management to  regular exercise, can delay its onset. We incorporate brain health into our longevity plans through both preventive screening and lifestyle counselling.

What diagnostic tests are done for Longevity Management?

Longevity management is rooted in science, not assumptions. To personalise your care, we begin with a comprehensive suite of diagnostic tests that assess your biomarkers and risk factors. These tests help us create a targeted plan that supports not just lifespan, but healthspan.

Blood panels – Apo B, LDL, and HOMA-IR

A detailed blood panel offers a window into your cardiometabolic health.

• Apo B testing provides a more accurate picture of atherogenic risk than LDL alone, helping us assess your likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

• LDL testing remains critical, as sustained low LDL levels are associated with reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes.

• HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) helps detect early insulin resistance, a key driver of weight gain, fatigue, and type 2 diabetes.

Hormonal profiling – Sex hormones and thyroid function

Ageing often brings subtle hormonal shifts that can impact energy, sleep, muscle mass, mood, libido, and cognitive clarity. We assess:

• Sex hormones (such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone to identify imbalances or deficiencies.

• Thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) to ensure your metabolism and mood are not being affected by underactive or overactive thyroid function.

This hormonal snapshot allows us to tailor hormone optimisation plans when clinically indicated.

Metabolic screening

Beyond blood tests, we assess broader metabolic markers that reflect how well your body processes energy and stores fat. This may include fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers. 

Body composition and biological age analysis

Understanding your weight alone isn’t enough. We use:

• DEXA Body composition scans to measure fat mass, lean muscle, and visceral fat.

• DEXA Bone densitometry to assess bone mineral density, critical for osteoporosis prevention.

These metrics help detect early sarcopenia, frailty risk, or silent bone loss — conditions that are highly modifiable when caught early.

VO₂ Max testing

VO₂ max is a major indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness, essentially, how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise. This test helps assess your physical fitness and aerobic capacity, both of which are strong predictors of overall mortality risk. Improving VO₂ max through structured cardio training can directly increase longevity and independence.

Together, these diagnostic tools allow for a clear, personalised map of where your body stands, and where it can go with the right interventions.

Treatments for Longevity Management

Once we have assessed your baseline health, the next step is to put a personalised, comprehensive plan into action. Treatments in longevity management are tailored to your unique hormonal profile, metabolic status, lifestyle, and goals, all with the aim of preserving vitality, preventing disease, and supporting graceful, healthy ageing.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – for premature hormonal decline or hypogonadism

For individuals experiencing premature ovarian failure, early menopause, or hypogonadism in men, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended. HRT can help restore hormonal balance, alleviate symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and brain fog, and protect long-term bone and heart health. Treatment is carefully individualised and monitored by Dr. Dinesh, an endocrinologist, which helps ensure safety and effectiveness.

Nutrition and lifestyle changes – with an emphasis on high-protein diets

Nutrition plays a foundational role in ageing well. A high-protein diet is especially important for preserving muscle mass, supporting metabolic health, and reducing the risk of sarcopenia. Depending on your needs, we may also guide you on micronutrient supplementation, and optimal caloric intake to match your activity and goals. These changes are sustainable, not extreme, and focused on long-term wellbeing.

Sleep, stress and circadian rhythm management

Poor sleep and chronic stress accelerate ageing at the cellular level. We evaluate sleep quality and lifestyle stressors, then help you build better routines for restorative sleep and stress resilience if sleep is an issue. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) must be ruled-out. OSA has been shown to cause long-term lung, heart dysfunction and premature death. Support may include sleep hygiene strategies, light exposure timing, melatonin regulation, and where necessary, therapy or medication. Proper circadian alignment supports hormonal regulation, mood, metabolism, and immunity.

Exercise – Resistance training, Zone 2 cardio, and VO₂ max conditioning

Physical activity is one of the most powerful tools for extending healthspan. We design movement plans around:

• Resistance training, to build muscle, strengthen bones, and prevent sarcopenia/frailty.

• Zone 2 cardio, to enhance fat metabolism and cardiovascular health.

• VO₂ max training, to push aerobic capacity and improve your body’s maximum ability to utilise oxygen.

These methods aren’t just for athletes, they are for anyone who wants to stay mobile, independent, and mentally sharp in later life.

Osteoporosis treatment – preventing fractures and future disability

For those with low bone density or osteoporosis, early treatment can prevent debilitating fractures and future loss of independence. Between 25 and 75 percent of patients who have a hip fracture never return to their former level of independence. Treatment may include vitamin D and calcium supplementation, medications (like bisphosphonates or denosumab), and strength training. This goes hand in hand with preventing sarcopenia. Preventing a fracture isn’t just about the bone, it’s about maintaining mobility, freedom, and quality of life. Dr. Dinesh has sub-specialised in bone health and helped set up a metabolic bone clinic in his former institution. 

Sarcopenia – Preventing frailty

As mentioned earlier, resistance exercises prevent the premature loss of muscle with ageing. Optimising nutrition with a high-protein diet helps reduce the resistance to muscle protein synthesis (building muscle) that develops with aging. When we lose muscle as we age, we reduce the ability to do the things we want, we reduce our stability and end up falling more. Muscle loss is the main cause of frailty when we age and we want to stop this. Falling is the main cause of fractures and therefore treatment of sarcopenia and preventing falls is imperative. 

Altogether, these treatments form the foundation of a customised longevity plan, grounded in science and tailored to your body’s evolving needs.

Summary 

Ageing well is no longer about luck, it’s about strategy, science, and personalised care. Longevity Counselling & Management at The Metabolic Clinic offers a medically guided path to preserve your energy, health, and independence as you grow older. From hormonal balance and metabolic optimisation to bone, muscle, cognitive, and cardiovascular health, every aspect is addressed through thorough diagnostics and evidence-based treatments. 

Whether you are looking to prevent chronic disease, stay active and sharp, or simply feel better for longer, this service empowers you to take control of your healthspan, not just your lifespan. If you are ready to invest in your future well-being, schedule a consultation with The Metabolic Clinic today and begin your personalised journey toward healthy ageing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)