New Study Reveals Healthy Habits Can Add Decades to Your Life
A groundbreaking study involving over 700,000 U.S. veterans has discovered that embracing eight healthy lifestyle habits in middle age could potentially extend your life by decades. The research, which analyzed data from the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program, demonstrates the significant influence that daily lifestyle choices can have on life expectancy.
The study identified eight habits that can contribute to a longer, healthier life: physical activity, freedom from opioid addiction, not smoking, stress management, a healthy diet, moderate alcohol intake, good sleep, and positive social relationships. Men who adopted all eight habits by the age of 40 were estimated to live an average of 24 years longer than those without these habits. For women, the presence of all eight habits in middle age was linked to an increase of 21 years in life expectancy compared to women lacking these habits.
These findings have surprised the researchers. Xuan-Mai T. Nguyen, a health science specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, expressed astonishment at the potential benefits associated with these lifestyle habits. Nguyen stated, “Our research findings suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle is important for both public health and personal wellness. The earlier the better, but even if you only make a small change in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it still is beneficial.”
The implications of this study are immense. By emphasizing the critical role of lifestyle factors in chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, the research helps quantify the extent to which healthy choices can mitigate diseases and promote longevity. Nguyen believes that lifestyle medicine, which treats the underlying causes of chronic diseases, can provide a pathway to reduce healthcare costs generated by prescription medicine and surgical procedures.
While some lifestyle habits had a more significant impact on lifespan, such as low physical activity, opioid use, and smoking, even smaller factors like chronic stress, binge drinking, poor diet, inadequate sleep hygiene, and lack of positive social relationships were associated with an increased risk of death. Therefore, adopting healthier habits at any age can still be beneficial.
The researchers will present their groundbreaking findings at NUTRITION 2023, the premier annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, to be held from July 22-25 in Boston.
In light of these findings, it is crucial to prioritize healthy lifestyle habits. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and managing stress are essential. Additionally, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, addressing mental health concerns, limiting screen time, and nurturing strong social connections are all crucial factors contributing to overall wellness.
The study highlights the significance of these lifestyle choices in preventing chronic diseases and promoting a longer, healthier life. As Nguyen stated, “It is never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle.” So let’s prioritize our well-being and embrace healthy habits to add years to our lives.
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