A groundbreaking study, including a diverse sample of about 720,000 U.S military veterans, has shed light on eight key habits that could substantially lengthen your lifespan. The research reveals that individuals who integrate these practices into their daily routines could potentially add up to 24 years to their lives.
Dr. Xuan-Mai Nguyen from the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the lead author of the study, underlines the impact of this revelation, saying, "Our research findings suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle is important for both public health and personal wellness.”
The study paints a stark picture of life expectancy contrasts. A 40-year-old man devoid of these healthy habits is projected to live until 62 on average, but introducing all eight practices could extend this to 86. Similarly, women not following these habits are expected to live till 66, while those embracing the entire regimen could see their life expectancy soar to 88.
The study identified eight fundamental habits that can considerably improve your health and longevity: non-smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, getting quality sleep, effective stress management, being physically active, nurturing positive social relationships, abstaining from regular binge drinking, and avoiding opioid drug addiction. The benefits of these habits are cumulative; while integrating one or two can make a difference, adopting all eight could lead to an average life extension of 21 years for women and 24 years for men.
Dr. Nguyen emphasised the significance of early adoption but also gave a message of hope to those who might have crossed the youthful threshold: “The earlier, the better, but even if you only make a small change in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it still is beneficial.”
Physical Activity: Regular light to moderate exercise tops the list. It can decrease the risk of death by 46%. The term 'exercise' encapsulates not just strenuous workouts but any form of physical activity – even climbing a flight of stairs counts.
Avoiding Opioid Addiction: Those steering clear of opioid addiction saw a 38% reduced risk of early death, emphasising the necessity of tackling this ongoing crisis.
Non-smoking: Non-smokers enjoyed a 29% decreased mortality risk. It's noteworthy that quitting smoking at any stage brings substantial health benefits.
Stress Management: Effective stress management can decrease the risk of premature death by 22%. Considering today's high-stress society, developing efficient stress management strategies is crucial.
Eating a Healthy Diet: Following a balanced diet can increase your chances of living longer by 21%. This doesn't necessitate becoming vegan but encourages a diet abundant in fibre, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Limiting Alcohol Intake: Avoiding binge drinking reduces the risk of death by 19%, underscoring the importance of moderation in alcohol consumption.
Quality Sleep: Achieving 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep nightly can decrease the risk of premature death by 18%, emphasising the vital role of sleep in overall health.
Positive Social Relationships: Fostering healthy relationships and social bonds can contribute to a 5% increase in lifespan. This involves establishing strong connections with family, friends, and community, and actively participating in social activities.
Dr. Nguyen, involved with the Million Veteran Programme, points out the broader public health implications of these findings. By integrating these lifestyle changes, not only can we push the average lifespan into the eighties but we can also significantly reduce healthcare costs linked to chronic diseases and treatments.
Despite the diverse demographic of the study encompassing age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status, the life-extending benefits of these healthy habits were universally evident. As Dr. Nguyen highlighted, "An 87% relative reduction in all-cause mortality was seen for those who adopted all eight lifestyle factors compared to those who adopted none.”
Though the study was focused on veterans, the outcomes are likely to mirror the general population, as the participants were retirees and not on active duty or training.
The transformative potential of embracing a set of simple, healthy lifestyle habits cannot be overstated. It underscores the necessity of taking the reins of our health through conscious, everyday choices. Even more significantly, it reinforces that it's never too late to modify our habits for the better, enhancing both our life quality and longevity.
These findings reinforce the ancient wisdom that a healthy lifestyle indeed paves the way for a longer, fulfilling life. So, why wait? Start incorporating these eight life-boosting habits into your routine today and reap the abundant benefits they offer.
The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, 2023.
1. What are the eight healthy habits that can extend my life?
According to the study, the eight habits are regular physical activity, avoiding opioid addiction, non-smoking, stress management, maintaining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake, ensuring quality sleep, and nurturing positive social relationships.
2. How much longer can I live if I adopt all eight habits?
The study found that a 40-year-old man could expect to live until 86 instead of 62, and a woman of the same age could expect to live until 88 instead of 66 if they adopt all eight habits.
3. Can adopting these habits prevent chronic diseases?
Yes, the habits, such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and non-smoking, can help prevent the onset of chronic diseases. Preventing chronic diseases can potentially extend your average lifespan.
4. Is it too late for me to start these habits?
No, it's never too late to adopt these habits. Regardless of your current age or health status, you can start incorporating these habits into your lifestyle for potential health benefits and longevity.
5. Will I still benefit if I adopt only some of the habits?
While adopting all eight habits provides the most benefit, each individual habit also contributes to a longer, healthier life. For instance, regular physical activity alone can decrease your risk of death by 46%.
6. Is this study relevant only to veterans?
Although the study was conducted on veterans, its findings are likely representative of the general population. The veterans in the study were retired and not on active duty or undergoing military training, so their lifestyles were similar to those of the general public.
7. How can I start incorporating these habits into my life?
Start small by gradually incorporating one habit at a time. Set achievable goals, such as walking for 30 minutes a day, gradually introducing more plant-based foods into your diet, or setting a regular sleep schedule. Seek professional help if you're struggling with more significant issues such as opioid addiction or managing stress.
Remember, the journey to a healthier lifestyle is a marathon, not a sprint. Every step you take towards these habits is a step towards a longer, healthier life.
This article is for general information only and is not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions. If in doubt please check with your GP first.
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