Eight Healthy Habits That Could Add Up to 24 Years to Your Life, According to a New Study
Imagine adding up to 24 extra years to your life. A recent study suggests that this could be possible if you adopt eight healthy lifestyle habits at the age of 40.
The Study and Its Findings
The study, yet to be published, analyzed data from US veterans. It found that starting these habits at 50 or 60 could still add 21 and 18 years to your life, respectively. The habits are not new: exercise, eat healthily, manage stress, sleep well, maintain positive social relationships, avoid smoking, drink moderately, and steer clear of opioid addiction. The study also found that these changes are beneficial even for those with chronic diseases.
The Impact of Healthy Habits
The study revealed that even small changes in your 40s, 50s, or 60s can be beneficial. Adding just one healthy habit at 40 could add 4.5 years to a man’s life and 3.5 years to a woman’s life. The more habits adopted, the greater the increase in lifespan. The study found an 87% relative reduction in all-cause mortality for those who adopted all eight lifestyle factors compared to those who adopted none.
Ranking the Lifestyle Behaviors
The study ranked the eight lifestyle behaviors based on their impact on longevity. Exercise topped the list, followed by avoiding opioid addiction, not smoking, managing stress, eating a plant-based diet, avoiding binge drinking, getting good sleep, and fostering positive social relationships. Each of these habits was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of death.
The Study’s Limitations
The study could only show an association, not a direct cause and effect, and because it focused on veterans, the findings may not translate to all Americans. However, the researchers believe that the findings could still be applicable to the general population.
To sum up, the study underscores the power of healthy lifestyle choices in enhancing longevity. While the research focused on veterans, its findings could be applicable to the general population. Adopting these habits could significantly improve your health and add years to your life.
