A groundbreaking study has revealed that adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly offset the effects of genetic risks on lifespan, potentially adding up to five extra years to one’s life. The research, which involved 353,742 participants from the UK Biobank, is the first of its kind to explore how lifestyle choices can counteract genetic predispositions. The findings were published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.
The study discovered that individuals with a high genetic risk of a shorter life have a 21% increased risk of early death, regardless of their lifestyle. Conversely, those leading unhealthy lifestyles have a 78% increased chance of early death, irrespective of their genetic risk. This research was conducted by scientists from Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China and the University of Edinburgh.
Furthermore, the research revealed that having both an unhealthy lifestyle and genes predisposing to a shorter lifespan more than doubled the risk of early death. However, the researchers concluded that individuals have some control over their fate. Participants with high genetic risk could prolong approximately 5.22 years of life expectancy at age 40 with a favorable lifestyle, highlighting the significant role lifestyle choices play in determining longevity.
The study also identified the best lifestyle combination for longevity, which includes never smoking, regular physical activity, adequate sleep duration, and a healthy diet. Participants were grouped into three genetically determined lifespan categories: long, intermediate, and short, as well as three lifestyle score categories: favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable. Over an average follow-up period of 13 years, during which 24,239 deaths occurred, these findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for increased life expectancy.
To extend your healthy life, simple activities like stretching or taking a 30-minute brisk stroll can make a significant difference. Regular exercise, including yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises, can reduce stress and increase lifespan. Spending time in the sun daily, quitting alcohol and cigarettes, and consuming fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are also essential for a healthy lifestyle. Adequate sleep of six to eight hours and staying hydrated by drinking two to three liters of water daily are crucial components of a healthy lifestyle.
In conclusion, this study highlights the powerful impact of lifestyle choices on longevity and emphasizes the importance of adopting healthy habits to offset genetic risks. By making simple changes to our daily routines, we can potentially add years to our lives and improve our overall well-being.