A groundbreaking study involving 719,147 participants has revealed that adopting eight simple lifestyle habits can significantly increase lifespan, with men potentially gaining 24 years and women 21 years. The research, led by Xuan-Mai T. Nguyen, a health science specialist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a medical student at Carle Illinois College of Medicine, was presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting in July 2023.

The Eight Longevity Habits

  1. Positive Social Relationships: Boosts lifespan by 5%, underscoring the importance of strong interpersonal connections.
  2. Stress Management: Reduces mortality risk by 20%, highlighting the value of stress-reduction techniques.
  3. Avoiding Binge Drinking: Also associated with a 20% longevity increase; light to moderate drinking may be beneficial.
  4. Sensible Diet: Improves life expectancy by 20%, with an emphasis on vegetables.
  5. Good Sleep Hygiene: Linked to 20% increased longevity, reinforcing the need for adequate rest.
  6. Physical Activity: Reduces the risk of death by 30–45%, supporting the need for regular exercise.
  7. Avoiding Opioid Misuse: Associated with a 30–45% lower mortality risk.
  8. Never Smoking: Adds 30–45% to predicted life expectancy.

Key Insights

The study utilised data from Veterans Affairs records collected between 2011 and 2019. Nguyen emphasised the profound benefits of even small changes, regardless of age, stating, “It is never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”

While causation cannot be definitively proven, the correlation between these habits and increased longevity is significant. Adopting these practices offers not only health benefits but also the opportunity to enjoy life’s achievements longer.

Conclusion

This research reinforces the importance of lifestyle medicine in addressing chronic disease risks. As Nguyen aptly stated, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”

For entrepreneurs and individuals alike, prioritising these habits is a valuable investment in the future.

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