Genetics may play a role in determining our lifespan, but a new study suggests that a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact how long we live. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and the Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China conducted a study involving over 350,000 Brits to assess the relationship between genetics, lifestyle, and longevity.
The study, published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine, found that individuals genetically predisposed to a shorter life could potentially add around five years to their lifespan by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes factors such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and not smoking.
According to the findings, individuals with a high genetic risk of a shorter life were 21% more likely to die young compared to those with a low genetic risk, regardless of their lifestyle choices. On the other hand, people with unhealthy lifestyles had a 78% increased chance of early death, regardless of their genetic predisposition.
However, the study also revealed that lifestyle factors had a significant impact on longevity. Those with both an unhealthy lifestyle and genes indicating a shorter lifespan more than doubled their risk of early death compared to those with healthier lifestyles and luckier genes.
The researchers identified an “optimal lifestyle combination” for a longer life, which includes never smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and following a healthy diet. By following this combination, individuals could potentially offset any genetic risk of a shorter lifespan by around 62%.
Participants in the study were categorized based on their polygenic risk score, which estimates their risk of developing specific diseases based on thousands of genetic variants in their genome. They were also grouped based on their lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, sleep, and smoking habits.
Over the course of the study, which followed participants for an average of 13 years, 24,239 deaths occurred. Matt Lambert, a senior health information officer at the World Cancer Research Fund, commented on the findings, stating that living a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and staying active, can help individuals live longer and reduce their risk of cancer.
The study highlights the importance of lifestyle choices in influencing our longevity, even in the presence of genetic predispositions. By making healthy choices such as exercising regularly, eating well, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking, individuals can potentially add years to their lives and improve their overall health and well-being.