A new study reveals that a healthy lifestyle can reduce the impact of life-shortening genes by over 60%, offering hope for people looking to extend their lifespan, even if they have genetic predispositions to shorter lives. This finding was shared in a recent publication in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine.
The research, led by Dr. Xifeng Wu, Dean of the School of Public Health at Zhejiang University, delved into how both lifestyle choices and genetic factors influence human longevity. The results are clear: adopting healthy habits can make a significant difference in how long we live.
According to the study, an unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risk of death by 78%, regardless of one’s genetics. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle could reduce the risk of premature death by about 62%, even for individuals who are genetically predisposed to a shorter lifespan.
“The combination of good lifestyle habits and positive genetics offers the best chance for a longer life,” explained Dr. Wu. “A healthy lifestyle can significantly lessen the lifespan reduction for those with genetic tendencies towards a shorter life.”
The study found that people with both a genetic predisposition for a shorter life and an unhealthy lifestyle were at twice the risk of death compared to those with favorable genetics and healthy habits. Even those with high genetic risks for a shortened life can reduce their risk of death by 21% by choosing healthier lifestyles.
The study identified four essential lifestyle factors that contribute to a longer lifespan:
- No Smoking – Avoiding tobacco is crucial for longevity.
- Regular Physical Activity – Engaging in regular exercise is key to maintaining health.
- Adequate Sleep – Getting enough quality sleep plays a significant role in overall health.
- A Healthy Diet – A nutritious diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is vital.
People who embraced these habits in their 40s could add up to 5.5 years to their life expectancy.
While lifestyle choices are powerful, the study also acknowledged that individuals with high genetic risks for early death still face an increased risk of dying, even with a healthy lifestyle. However, the benefits of adopting healthy habits are still considerable, and the impact of lifestyle was found to outweigh the influence of genetics.
Dr. Wu emphasized the importance of establishing healthy habits early in life, ideally before middle age, to maximize the potential for longer life. “Public health interventions targeting at-risk populations could greatly improve longevity, particularly when lifestyle habits are shaped early,” she said.
Based on these findings, Dr. Wu encourages everyone to adopt healthy behaviors, regardless of their genetic background. She advocates for public health policies that promote and support healthy lifestyle choices on a larger scale to improve the well-being of society.
The research, which tracked the health data of over 350,000 adults in the UK Biobank, found that those with the best lifestyle choices had the longest lifespans. The study spanned almost 13 years, tracking participants’ health outcomes and providing compelling evidence that lifestyle is a key factor in longevity.
Experts agree that improving our longevity is not solely about genetics—it’s about making better choices every day. Dr. Christopher Kramer from the University of Virginia highlights the importance of maintaining a proper diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use. “Lifestyle changes can significantly improve longevity,” he said.
Researchers also noted that the study did not include alcohol consumption as one of the four major lifestyle factors, which may surprise some people, but overall, the study underscores the tremendous value of healthy habits.
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