Healthy lifestyle can extend lifespan by 5 years, concludes study
A pioneering study has revealed that adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly offset the effects of genetic risks on lifespan. The research, involving 353,742 participants from the UK Biobank, found that such habits could potentially add up to five extra years to one's life! This is the first study of its kind to explore how much lifestyle choices can counteract genetic predispositions. The findings were published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.
Genetic risks and lifestyle choices impact life expectancy
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 groundbreaking research was conducted by scientists from Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China and the University of Edinburgh.
Unhealthy lifestyle and unfavorable genes double early death risk
The research also revealed that having both an unhealthy lifestyle and genes predisposing to a shorter lifespan more than doubled the risk of early death. However, individuals do have some control over their fate. The researchers concluded that "participants with high genetic risk could prolong approximately 5.22 years of life expectancy at age 40 with a favorable lifestyle." This highlights the significant role lifestyle choices play in determining longevity.
Best lifestyle combination for longevity identified
The study identified the best lifestyle combination for longevity as never smoking, regular physical activity, adequate sleep duration, and a healthy diet. Over an average follow-up period of 13 years during which 24,239 deaths occurred, participants were grouped into three genetically determined lifespan categories: long (20.1%), intermediate (60.1%), and short (19.8%). Additionally, there existed three lifestyle score categories: favorable (23.1%), intermediate (55.6%), and unfavorable (21.3%). These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for increased life expectancy.
Must-haves of a healthy lifestyle
You may extend your healthy life by doing something as easy as stretching or taking a 30-minute brisk stroll. Hence, regular exercise is a must. Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can reduce stress, increasing your lifespan. Bask in the sun daily for about 15 minutes. Quit the consumption of alcohol and ciggerattes, and instead stock up on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds daily. Sleep for at least six to eight hours and drink two-three liters of water on daily basis.
