The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle for Longevity

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Zhejiang University Medical School in China and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland has shed light on the powerful impact of a healthy lifestyle on longevity, even in the face of genetic predisposition to a shorter life.

The study, published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, involved more than 350,000 adults whose health status was monitored from 2006 to 2021. The researchers calculated polygenic risk scores to determine genetic predisposition to living longer or not, as well as a score associated with a healthy lifestyle based on criteria such as not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and quality sleep.

The results were astonishing. Participants genetically predisposed to a shorter life were found to be 21% more likely to die prematurely than those predisposed to a longer life expectancy, regardless of their lifestyle choices. However, the study revealed that a healthy lifestyle could offset this genetic risk by more than 60%, potentially extending the lifespan of those with a high genetic risk by around 5.5 years at the age of 40.

The researchers emphasized the importance of adopting healthy habits early in life to see a significant increase in life expectancy. Not smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet were identified as crucial lifestyle factors that could mitigate the impact of genetic factors on lifespan reduction.

In a news release, the study authors highlighted the role of public health policies in promoting healthy lifestyles as a complement to conventional healthcare, emphasizing the potential of lifestyle interventions to counterbalance genetic predispositions to premature death.

The study also found that participants with unhealthy lifestyles were 78% more likely to die prematurely than those with healthy habits, regardless of their genetic predisposition. This underscores the importance of making the right choices on a daily basis to stay healthy longer and gain a few extra years of life.

These findings align with previous research that has shown the significant impact of healthy habits on longevity. A similar study conducted on over 700,000 people last year suggested that adopting eight healthy habits by the age of 40 could extend lifespan by an average of 24 years for men and 21 years for women.

Overall, the research highlights the power of lifestyle choices in influencing longevity and emphasizes the need for individuals to take control of their health through healthy habits. By prioritizing a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking, individuals can potentially offset genetic predispositions to premature death and enjoy a longer, healthier life.