Researchers have discovered THE secret to living (much) longer

Are we really masters of our destiny? We have to believe so if we rely on a recent study carried out by researchers from the medical school of Zhejiang University, in China, and the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland. Carried out on more than 350,000 adults, this work suggests that a healthy lifestyle, based in particular on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, or even the absence of smoking, can counterbalance the effects of genes which shorten the duration of life, to the tune of more than 60%. Conclusions which demonstrate the importance of making the right choices on a daily basis to stay in good health longer, and gain a few more years of life.

For the purposes of their research, the scientists used data from 353,742 adults, recruited via the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010, and whose health status was monitored until 2021, as well as several associated studies. . Polygenic risk scores, which make it possible to determine the genetic predisposition to live longer or not, were calculated, as was a score associated with a healthy lifestyle. This included the absence of smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and quality sleep. Note that more than 24,000 participants died during this work.

Published in the journal la revue BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, the study initially suggests that participants genetically predisposed to a shorter life expectancy were 21% more likely to die prematurely than those genetically predisposed to a longer life expectancy, regardless of the lifestyle adopted during their existence. Despite certain limitations, such as having only assessed lifestyle once during the study or the lack of diversity of participants, this work shows that a healthy lifestyle can counterbalance genetic risk. shorter life expectancy or premature death, in a proportion of more than 60%.

Gain five years of life

The researchers go even further, since they estimate that participants with a high genetic risk associated with a shorter lifespan could see it extend by around 5.5 years at the age of 40 thanks to to a healthy lifestyle. An observation which, however, suggests that the adoption of healthy habits must be taken as soon as possible to see one’s life expectancy increase so significantly. Note also that certain lifestyle habits were particularly important, such as not smoking, playing sports, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet.

“This study elucidates the essential role of a healthy lifestyle in mitigating the impact of genetic factors on shortening lifespan. Public health policies aimed at improving healthy lifestyles would effectively complement conventional health care and mitigate the influence of genetic factors on human lifespan“, estimate the authors of this work, in a press release.

Among other lessons, note that participants whose lifestyle was not considered healthy were 78% more likely to die prematurely than those who had adopted good habits, regardless of their genetic predispositions.

Last August, a similar study, carried out among more than 700,000 people aged 40 to 99, suggested that integrating eight healthy habits into your daily life, no later than the age of 40, allowed to live on average 24 years longer for men, and 21 years for women, compared to those who had adopted none. Here again, it was about being physically active, not smoking, learning to manage stress, having a balanced diet, as well as good sleep hygiene, having a moderate consumption of alcohol, avoid becoming addicted to opioids, and maintain positive social relationships.

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