Researchers have identified eight habits that could see people live more than 20 years longer.
The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, found that low physical activity, opioid use, and smoking had the biggest impact on lifespan, and were associated with around a 30-45 per cent higher risk of death.
Meanwhile, stress, binge drinking, poor diet, and poor sleep hygiene were each associated with around a 20% increase in the risk of death. In addition, lack of positive social relationships was associated with a 5 per cent increased risk of dying.
The study was completed by the US Department of Veteran Affairs and presented this week.
So, what lifestyle changes can you make to increase your life expectancy?
The eight lifestyle changes that could extend your life
- Eating a balanced diet
- Avoiding cigarette smoking
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Physical activity
- Manage stress
- Avoiding binge drinking
- Be free from opioid addiction
- Positive social relationships
The research that looked at lifestyle habits used data from medical records and questionnaires collected between 2011-2019 from 719,147 people enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program.
It found that men who have all eight habits at age 40 would be predicted to live an average of 24 years longer than men with none of these habits, and for women an additional 21 years.
The researchers say their findings highlight the role of lifestyle factors in contributing to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease that lead to premature disability and death.
Xuan-Mai Nguyen, who helped conduct the study said: “We were really surprised by just how much could be gained with the adoption of one, two, three, or all eight lifestyle factors.
“Our research findings suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle is important for both public health and personal wellness.
“The earlier the better, but even if you only make a small change in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it still is beneficial.”
