Study Finds Lifestyle Changes Can Extend Lifespan Regardless of Genetics

A recent study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine suggests that healthy lifestyle choices could help individuals live up to five years longer, regardless of their genetic makeup. The study, which is believed to be the first of its kind to compare the effects of genetics and lifestyle on lifespan, looked at data from 353,742 adults with European ancestry collected between 2006 and 2010.

The researchers tracked the participants’ health until 2021 to determine whether their genes or lifestyle had a greater impact on their lifespan. Participants were ranked based on whether they had genetic predispositions to diseases that could shorten their lifespan and whether they led healthy lifestyles. Factors such as not smoking, regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, a healthy body shape, and moderate alcohol consumption were considered favorable lifestyle choices, while the opposite was deemed unfavorable.

The study found that individuals who led unfavorable lifestyles were 78% more likely to die early than those with favorable lifestyles, regardless of their genetic predispositions. Even individuals genetically predisposed to shorter lifespans were 21% more likely to die early than those predisposed to longer lives if they made unfavorable lifestyle choices. However, leading a healthy lifestyle appeared to offset the effects of genes linked to a shorter lifespan by 62%.

Making favorable lifestyle choices despite having genes linked to a shorter lifespan was associated with living 5.22 years longer than those who made unfavorable choices. Dr. Liz Williams, a lecturer in human nutrition at the University of Sheffield, noted that while the study’s findings were not surprising, the significant impact of lifestyle factors suggests that healthy habits can mitigate the effects of genetic predispositions on lifespan.

The researchers identified not smoking, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a healthy diet as forming an “optimal lifestyle combination” that could help individuals live longer and be sustainable over time. Adequate exercise was defined according to the American Heart Association’s guidelines, and a balanced diet included fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish while limiting red and processed meats.

While the study did not include having a healthy body shape or reducing alcohol consumption in the optimal lifestyle combination, experts emphasize the importance of these factors for longevity. Obesity is associated with leading causes of death, and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly shorten lifespan.

It is important to note that the study was observational, meaning that causation cannot be proven. Additionally, the study was conducted on individuals of European descent, so the same associations may not apply to other populations. Nonetheless, the findings highlight the potential benefits of adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as not smoking, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet in extending lifespan and mitigating the impact of genetic predispositions on longevity.