A groundbreaking study has recently shed light on the lifestyle habits that can significantly increase a person’s lifespan. Researchers have found that adopting these habits, particularly during middle age, can potentially add decades to one’s life. The study suggests that while each habit individually can contribute to longevity, combining all eight habits multiplies their positive effects.
Heart disease and cancer, two of the leading causes of death worldwide, have been strongly linked to poor lifestyle choices. Thus, making lasting changes and embracing healthier habits can have a profound impact on overall health and well-being.
The study, set to be presented at the NUTRITION 2023 conference highlights eight key lifestyle habits associated with a longer life:
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Never smoking
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Being physically active
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Refraining from binge drinking
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Practicing good sleep hygiene
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Following a healthy diet
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Managing stress levels
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Cultivating positive social relationships
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Avoiding addiction to opioids
According to the study’s authors, individuals who adopt these habits by middle age may experience significantly longer lives compared to those who do not embrace these healthy practices. In fact, men who incorporate all eight habits by the age of 40 could potentially live up to 24 years longer, while women could see an increase of 22.6 years.
The research team, led by Xuan-Mai T. Nguyen and Yanping Li, gathered data from over 719,147 United States military veterans who participated in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program between 2011 and 2019. The study included adults aged 40 to 99, with 33,375 deaths recorded during the follow-up period.
Upon analysing the data, the researchers discovered that physical inactivity, smoking, and opioid use had the most significant impact on mortality risk. These factors were associated with a 30% to 45% higher risk of death during the study period. Poor sleep hygiene, an unhealthy diet, binge drinking, and stress were each associated with a 20% increased risk. Additionally, a lack of positive social relationships was linked to a 5% increased risk.
Remarkably, as individuals incorporated more of these protective habits into their lives, the mortality rate per 1,000 person-years decreased. Those who adopted all eight habits experienced a notable 13% reduction in all-cause mortality. Although the effect diminished slightly with age, it remained statistically significant.
The researchers emphasised that these findings underscore how various lifestyle factors can contribute to diseases that lead to premature death and disability. By making better choices and integrating healthy habits into daily life, individuals can extend their years of healthy living.
While this study cannot definitively prove that adopting these habits will increase lifespan, its results align with similar research in the field.
This study underscores the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits for a longer and healthier life. By incorporating practices such as not smoking, regular physical activity, maintaining good sleep hygiene, following a nutritious diet, managing stress levels, fostering positive social relationships, refraining from binge drinking, and avoiding opioid addiction, individuals may significantly improve their overall well-being and increase their life expectancy.
