Is there a way to slow down the ageing process? So-called gurus on social media churn out promises of weight loss and increased energy if you move this way, stretch that way, pop this pill, or inject that potion. Anecdotally, they work and often don’t. So, what can you do to promote overall good health and longevity?
Lucia Magnanini Health Clinic is a luxurious medical clinic and spa founded by Dr Lucia Magnani within a beautiful Art Deco-designed property.
After dedicating fifty years to creating her Long Life Formula – a system based on chemistry and biochemistry focusing on nutrition and exercise, she now offers a practical science-backed way to slow down ageing, and, importantly, to enjoy optimum health for the time you have.
Dr Magnani says, “Prevention is essential. Prevention is done every day, for example by exercising, taking care of your diet and trying to relax.”
The health clinic is located in the gorgeous region of Castrocaro Terme in the Province of Forlì-Cesena in northern Italy, where thermal baths were discovered in 1830. The commune is known for its sulphur salt-bromine-iodine-lithium thermal waters and natural salt-bromine-iodine mud, and incidentally, a fine winemaking tradition in the surrounding hills.
Had I been there longer, I would have explored the undulating, verdant landscape either on foot or borrowed the clinic’s bike. Instead, my time there was used to explore my health, sometimes by ultrasound, blood tests, and with general pampering and nutritious food curated just for me.
I arrived late one evening and was met by my an “angel” – all guests are appointed an angel on arrival. Mine was Laura, dressed entirely in white, as was everyone, emaculately groomed and wearing a gentle smile. She listened intently and put together a bespoke itinerary just for me. When I got to my room, I found a gift of a white tracksuit to wear, and so I blended in.
There are several Long Life Formula programmes, including Clean (detox), Weight Loss, Evergreen (anti-ageing), Relax (promoting relaxation), Energy (revitalising), Sport (reinvigorating) and Weight Loss. What they all have in common is a methodical approach relating to nutrition, movement and everyday habits, starting with a medical check-up upon arrival, daily spa access, beauty treatments, daily gym access that could include holistic activities such as yoga, pilates and even a sound bath.
The night I got there, after a delayed flight, looking worse for wear, I was sent to the spa for a full-body scrub and massage. It was magnificent.
The next day was full on. Laura took me to the relaxation room for a cup of mineral water that flows from ancient sulphuric springs in Rio dei Cozzi. Admittedly, I became a five-year-old and was repelled by the aroma. Laura encouraged me to take a sip. I gagged. She said “you will get used to it.” Unfortunately, I didn’t. But other guests swore by it and turned up for their daily intake.
Relaxation room with a sulphur fountain
Medical
A full-blown reconnaissance of my body took place in the hospital attached to the spa. All my internal organs were looked at via ultrasound, and an ECG to test my heart and a series of blood tests. It turns out I’m pretty healthy, just the odd thing or two to keep an eye on.
Posture
Then I was dispatched to Prof. De Angelis Marco, a posture specialist. He explained that posture influences the way others perceive you, and more than that, how you perceive yourself informs your posture. “Head back, shoulders down, swing the arms with palm facing forward or at least facing yourself”, he barked while taking me on a military-style walk along the corridor. The mindset he encourages is “I am the strongest in the group, nothing is worrying me.” I still hear those words as I take my strides.
Fitness evaluation
Then my weight and other measurements. It was an intense discussion, but in a nutshell, the bad news was that I should shed 8 kilos and was given a nutrition checklist. And the good news, my metabolic rate is that of a woman 15 years younger. So I have no excuses to achieve results.
Spa treatments
This was the most pampering one woman could have in such a short period. It included an anticellulite mud treatment, a facial jet peel, and a couple of toning massages. The spa area is a sprawling space with plenty of facilities such as ice fountains, Turkish, and Roman baths and Finnish saunas and I took the opportunity to use them.
On my final day, I enjoyed a dip and an aqua class in warm thermal waters that flow outdoors too. The unusual green colour is due to the natural presence of chlorella, a micro-alga that is rich in chlorophyll. I rounded off the day with a gym session and a toning massage.
Algea pool
Aqua class in the algea pool
Eating habits
Perhaps the most enlightening health tip is the way we eat. I received a tailor-made Italian menu designed according to my medical and oxidative stress report. The advice is to eat five times a day to regulate energy, and absolutely no carbs in the evening and no sugar, butter or fried foods ever.
Verdict: At the end of my astonishing time at Lucia Magnani Health Clinic, I was handed a beautifully bound dossier that contained my health status in incredible detail, complete with my ultrasound images. Leaving was hard, but I did so walking tall and fortified with an exceptional feeling of well-being and a shed load of insights and lessons.
Fact File
More info available at
Lucia Magnani Heath Clinic is located at Via Guglielmo Marconi 14/16, 47011 – Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole (FC), Italy around 40 minutes drive from the Bologna airport.