Cohort study data show that a healthy lifestyle is strongly associated with a reduced risk of premature death and a significant increase in life expectancy. Non-communicable chronic diseases, which account for more than 80% of all health care costs, are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Despite their high incidence and high costs, these diseases are largely preventable.
Unhealthy lifestyles lead to serious diseases
Research shows that 90% of diabetes, 80% of heart disease, 70% of cardiovascular deaths and 50% of cancer deaths are linked to unhealthy lifestyles. In addition to a healthy diet, regular physical activity and not exercising, factors such as stress management, quality sleep and strong social ties are also important. A healthy lifestyle can therefore significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases while improving overall performance or quality of life.
Research shows that 90% of diabetes, 80% of heart disease, 70% of cardiovascular deaths and 50% of cancer deaths are linked to unhealthy lifestyles.
Key factors include: not smoking, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, good quality sleep, a balanced diet, effective stress management, strong social ties and no opioid dependence.
The most comprehensive research on the impact of lifestyle
Although many studies have examined the impact of different lifestyle factors on premature mortality or morbidity, this is the first to look at the combined impact of these factors on life expectancy.
The survey covered 719,147 veterans aged between 40 and 99 who participated in the Veterans Administration’s Million Veteran Programme (2011-2019). Age- and sex-specific mortality rates were calculated from the data collected.
In a subgroup of 276,132 veterans for whom complete data on key healthy lifestyle factors were available, they looked at how these individual and combined factors are associated with a lower risk of overall mortality. The reduced risk was then converted into an estimate of the additional years of life expectancy that could be gained by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Key factors include: not smoking, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, good quality sleep, a balanced diet, effective stress management, strong social ties and no opioid dependence.
Telling results
With a total of 1.12 million person-years of follow-up, the study recorded 34,247 deaths. The risk of mortality decreased gradually and steadily as the number of healthy lifestyle factors considered by the veterans increased.
They found that consistent adherence to all eight healthy lifestyle factors could increase life expectancy by 24 years for men and 20.5 years for women, compared with those who did not adhere to any of them. For each additional healthy lifestyle factor, mortality was reduced by 19%.
A healthy lifestyle can increase life expectancy by 24 years for men and 20.5 years for women,
A healthy diet, regular physical activity, stress management, quality sleep and strong social ties, and avoidance of harmful substances were associated with a lower risk of premature mortality. The positive impact increased with each additional factor. Consistent adherence to these factors was associated with an increase in life expectancy of more than 20 years at age 40. These findings provide scientific support for the strategies used in longevity medicine to prevent morbidity and thus prolong life.
Source of publication: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000291652366280X
