Study finds that healthy living may extend life by an additional five years

A groundbreaking study has revealed that individuals who are genetically predisposed to a shorter life could potentially add around five years to their lifespan by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This research, the first of its kind, delved into the impact of exercise, diet, sleep, and smoking habits on longevity, despite the significant influence of genetics.

The study, which involved a staggering 353,742 participants from the UK Biobank, uncovered some fascinating insights. It was found that individuals with a high genetic risk of premature death faced a 21% increased likelihood of an early demise compared to those with a low genetic risk, regardless of their lifestyle choices. On the other hand, those with unhealthy habits had a staggering 78% higher chance of dying prematurely, irrespective of their genetic predisposition.

However, the researchers also discovered that individuals did have some degree of control over their fate. They observed that a favorable lifestyle could potentially offset the genetic risk of a shorter lifespan by up to 62%. In fact, participants with a high genetic risk could potentially extend their life expectancy by approximately 5.22 years if they adhered to a healthy lifestyle.

The study identified the “optimal lifestyle combination” for a longer life, which included never smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. These factors were found to have a significant impact on overall longevity and could potentially mitigate the effects of genetic predisposition to a shorter life.

Participants in the study were categorized into three genetically determined lifespan groups – long, intermediate, and short – as well as three lifestyle score categories – favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable. By using polygenic risk scores to assess multiple genetic variants, researchers were able to determine individuals’ overall genetic predisposition to a longer or shorter life.

The findings of this study have significant implications for public health and underscore the importance of lifestyle choices in determining lifespan. Matt Lambert, a senior health information officer at the World Cancer Research Fund, emphasized the importance of healthy living in light of this research. He noted that despite genetic factors, adopting a balanced diet and staying active can have a profound impact on longevity and can also reduce the risk of cancer.

While making healthy changes may seem daunting, Lambert suggested looking into resources like the World Cancer Research Fund’s online healthy living program, Activ8, to help individuals kickstart their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. This study serves as a powerful reminder that our choices and habits play a crucial role in shaping our health and longevity, regardless of our genetic makeup.