Connection and longevity | Dasha Maximov | TEDxCabarete

NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker’s personal views and understanding of hormones, the nervous system, and longevity. Several claims lack scientific support. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf What if the most powerful longevity tool isn’t a supplement — but something your body already makes? In this talk, Dasha Maximov explores the hidden role of oxytocin — the “connection hormone” — and how modern stress, isolation, and constant busyness may be silently shortening our lives. Drawing from her work with leading longevity clinics, as well as hosting immersive retreats for executives and doctors, she shares a powerful insight: the most powerful drug for longevity isn’t something you can buy — it’s something you create. Through science, story, and real-world experience, she reveals how small moments of connection, gratitude, and “micro-joy” may be the missing piece in modern health — and how to start integrating them into your daily life. Learn more at www.whealth.community Follow along at @whealth.co Dasha has always been an avid health explorer - from beginning yoga at age 16, to training for the national rhythmic gymnastics team, to curing an ulcer naturally, to apprenticing at an ayurvedic hospital in India, to beginning her masters in neuroscience in London, to subsequently needing to stop the program due to a traumatic brain injury that caused chronic pain, depression, anxiety and headaches for 14 months. Her interest in brain health started after a car accident at age 18, and she’s been intrigued in how the brain impacts decisions, hormones, relationships, stress, and social cues ever since. She currently runs WhealthCo, which helps clinicians upgrade their clinics with the help of AI. She also helps those doctors host biohacking retreats in the Dominican Republic - which focus on bridging the modern world and technology with nature and natural healing. Join us and come unlearn what you think you've learned. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx