Surprising Habits That Could Add Years to Your Life
Some people have this age-old obsession with living longer and staying forever young. It’s like they’re on the hunt for some magical potion or the “Fountain of Youth.” According to a recent study, researchers have pinpointed certain behaviors associated with living longer; they’re surprisingly achievable. Their team also found that incorporating these habits can significantly enhance your longevity and overall quality of life.
At the Nutrition 2023 conference held by the American Society for Nutrition, a study was presented, which found that people who embrace eight healthy lifestyle habits during middle age can anticipate a longer lifespan compared to those who have few or none of these habits.
The study examined lifestyle and mortality information from over 700,000 U.S. veterans aged 40 to 99, all of whom joined the Million Veteran Program (MVP) from 2011 to 2019. It’s worth mentioning that the study did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between these behaviors and longer life, but rather identified an association between these habits and increased longevity.
Add years to your life
The study first points out that staying physically active can help with a prolonged existence. Regular exercise boosts our physical health and contributes significantly to our mental health. Pairing this with being free of opioid addiction and steering clear of smoking can create a defense against life-threatening diseases.
Managing stress is an essential skill to master as we navigate life’s challenges. Stress can impact our bodies in numerous ways, and learning how to cope with it effectively can extend our lifespan.
According to the study, the saying “you are what you eat” resonates even more when considering the path to longevity. A good diet is essential in providing our bodies with the necessary nutrients and energy to function.
They also mentioned habits such as not regularly binge drinking, having quality sleep, and having positive social relationships.
According to the findings, men who adopt all eight habits by the age of 40 can expect to live 24 years longer on average than those who have none of these habits. Similarly, women who embrace all of these habits are predicted to live approximately 21 years longer than their counterparts who do not follow any of these habits.
Take a look at the full study here.
