PARIS, May 4 — Scientists have yet to discover the secret to immortality, but they are becoming increasingly interested in the influence of lifestyle on longevity.
A number of studies have recently highlighted the link between healthy habits and life expectancy, and now researchers from China and Scotland have found that a healthy lifestyle may even compensate for poor genetic predisposition. It is reported that.
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Are we really the masters of our own destiny? If a recent study by researchers at China's Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Scotland's University of Edinburgh is true, you'd better believe it. The study, which involved more than 350,000 adults, suggests that a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and not smoking, can offset more than 60 percent of the effects of genes that shorten lifespan. ing. These findings highlight the importance of making the right choices every day to stay healthy for longer and add years to your life.
For the purpose of the study, the scientists used data from 353,742 adults who were recruited through UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010 and whose health status was monitored until 2021, as well as several related studies. .
The polygenic risk score, which determines your genetic predisposition to living longer, is based on criteria such as not currently smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and good quality sleep. The scores were calculated similarly to those related to a healthy lifestyle. . More than 24,000 participants died during the course of the study.
The study, published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, found that participants who were genetically predisposed to a shorter lifespan were genetically predisposed to a longer life expectancy, regardless of the lifestyle they adopted during their lifetime. The researchers found that they were 21 percent more likely to die prematurely than other participants.
Despite certain limitations, such as the fact that lifestyle was only assessed once during the study and the lack of diversity among participants, this study shows that a healthy lifestyle has a significant impact on life expectancy. It has been reported that the genetic risk of shortening and premature death can be offset over the age of 60. percent.
another 5 years
The researchers went further by estimating that participants at high genetic risk for shortened lifespans lived approximately 5.5 years more at age 40 thanks to their healthier lifestyles.
But the findings suggest that to achieve such a significant increase in lifespan, healthy habits need to be adopted as early as possible.
Also note that certain lifestyle habits are especially important, such as not smoking, exercising, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet.
“This study reveals that a healthy lifestyle plays a vital role in mitigating the influence of genetic factors on shortened lifespan. Hygiene policies are a powerful complement to conventional medicine and will reduce the impact of genetic factors on human lifespan,'' the study authors said in a news release.
Among other findings: Regardless of genetic predisposition, participants whose lifestyles were considered unhealthy were 78 percent more likely to die prematurely than those who had good habits. it was high.
A similar study conducted in August last year on more than 700,000 people between the ages of 40 and 99 found that by adopting eight healthy habits by age 40 at the latest, men can save an average of 24 years. It was suggested that women can live an average of 21 years longer. None were many years longer than those who did not adopt.
Again, these include being physically active, not smoking, managing stress, eating well and sleeping well, not consuming too much alcohol on a regular basis, and not becoming dependent on opioids. and maintaining positive social relationships. — ETX Studio