Have you ever heard the saying “Inside every old person is a young person wondering ‘what happened?’” There may be a huge number of people around the world having the same thought—the World Health Organization estimates roughly 1.4 billion adults will be at least 60 years old by 2030. As the global population continues to age, treatments to turn back the clock continue to emerge. From cryotherapy, Botox and wellness retreats, chasing youth has become a viral trend. Even a common diabetes medication is considered by some to have anti-aging properties.

Metformin is the first-line medication for lowering blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Since its development in the 1940s, metformin has been shown to be very effective while also having a good safety profile. Along with its anti-diabetic properties, in recent years, metformin has also been considered an “anti-aging” treatment. Despite the attention-grabbing moniker, it is still unclear if metformin should be considered a way to combat growing older.

A recent review revealed some holes in the theory that metformin may be repurposed to extend healthspan. A lot of the research in this area consists of small studies in isolated cells or animals. Additional studies have also found that metformin may limit the benefits of regular aerobic exercise and the ability to improve exercise capacity. Exercise capacity is the golden variable for longevity, which may make some people reconsider using metformin to turn back the clock. But don’t let this be a reason to not exercise! The benefits of staying physically active still outweigh its limitations.

Instead of taking a daily pill to stay young—appealing as it may be—these suggestions may offer a clearer path to healthy aging than the uncertainties surrounding metformin:

• Stay connected with friends and family. Engage in meaningful relationships throughout your life to benefit your mental and physical health.
• Try to slow or prevent hearing loss. Hearing aids keep you connected to your surroundings and engage your brain with conversation.
• Stay active. Participate in daily activities that get your heart rate up, including gardening, walking with friends or water aerobics.
• Strengthen your muscles and balance. Strong muscles and steady strides will keep you on your feet longer—and maintain brain health too.
• Don’t be afraid of high intensity! Ask your doctor about doing high-intensity workouts, such as brisk, uphill walking, at least once a week.

For now, turning back the clock may be less about finding a fountain of youth and more about making make the years ahead healthier ones.