Living a healthy lifestyle can counteract genes that shorten life and increase longevity

A groundbreaking new study published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine has revealed that individuals with life-shortening genes can extend their lifespan by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. The research, conducted by Dr. Zilong Bian and colleagues from Nanjing Medical University in China, analyzed data from 353,742 adults who were part of the UK Biobank study.

The study participants were categorized based on their genetic risk of a longer or shorter lifespan using a polygenic risk score tool. They were also classified according to their lifestyle habits as favorable, intermediate, or unfavorable. Over the 13-year study period, 24,239 participants passed away, allowing the researchers to draw significant conclusions about the impact of genetics and lifestyle on longevity.

The findings revealed that individuals with a high genetic risk of premature death were able to extend their lifespan by nearly 5.5 years by adopting healthy habits at age 40. The study also found that those with an unhealthy lifestyle were 78% more likely to die prematurely, regardless of their genetic predispositions. On the other hand, individuals with good health habits and a favorable genetic profile were twice as likely to live longer.

The researchers emphasized the importance of lifestyle factors such as never smoking, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet in promoting longevity. They noted that these habits could reduce the effects of life-shortening genes by more than 60%.

Kaytee Hadley, a functional dietitian, highlighted the significance of the study’s findings, stating that genetics no longer solely determine our lifespan. She emphasized the role of lifestyle choices in shaping our health outcomes, noting that “over 60 percent of our fate is determined by the factors that we, in large part, can control: nutrition, movement, smoking, and sleep.”

Sarah Louise Lilley, a stress-reduction practitioner, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the power of lifestyle choices in influencing gene expression. She encouraged individuals to shift their perception from victimhood to empowerment by making positive changes in their daily habits.

The study’s implications extend beyond genetics and lifestyle, as previous research from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity also highlighted the importance of healthy habits in extending lifespan. Additionally, a study from San Diego State University emphasized the role of positive lifestyle behaviors in promoting longevity among older women in the United States.

Overall, the research underscores the transformative impact of healthy lifestyle habits on mitigating genetic risk factors for premature death. By making sustainable changes to their daily routines, individuals can significantly enhance their lifespan and overall well-being.