If you want to prolong your life, a new study suggests that adopting a few healthy habits could do just that. The study, presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting in Boston, analyzed data on over 700,000 U.S. veterans and their life expectancy based on the number of healthy habits they followed. The results showed that adopting eight healthy lifestyle habits by middle age can significantly increase lifespan compared to those with few or none of the habits. These habits include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Not smoking
- Moderating alcohol intake
- Getting enough sleep
- Having positive social relationships
- Minimizing stress
While these habits may not be groundbreaking, the study showed that men with all eight habits at age 40 can live an average of 24 years longer than those with none, and women can live an additional 21 years. Xuan-Mai T. Nguyen, a health science specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, stated that the research findings emphasize the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle for both public health and personal wellness.
The study also found that low physical activity, opioid use, and smoking had the most significant impact on lifespan, with a 30-45% higher risk of death. Additionally, stress, binge drinking, poor diet, poor sleep hygiene, and a lack of positive social relationships were associated with increased risk of death.
It’s never too late to start living a healthier life, according to Nguyen. Even making small changes in your 40s, 50s, or 60s can still be beneficial and increase life expectancy. While the gains in life expectancy may diminish slightly with age, adopting healthier habits at any age can still have a positive impact.
It’s important to note that this study has not yet been published by a peer-reviewed publication, but it was carefully evaluated and selected by a committee of experts for presentation at the meeting.
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