Healthy living can help us live fourteen years longer

We are all well aware of the fact that lifestyle habits have an influence on life expectancy. But now, a recently published study actually indicates that people who live a healthy lifestyle could add fourteen years to their existence!

For the purpose of this study, one point was awarded for each of the following: not currently smoking, drinking between one and fourteen units of alcohol per week (one unit = ½ glass of wine), eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and being physically active (doing at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, or having a non-sedentary occupation such as being a nurse or a plumber). The results indicated that the risk of mortality was four times higher in people who did not obtain any points, compared to those who lead a healthy lifestyle. These observations were independent of a person’s weight and social standing. Researchers found that a sixty-year-old individual who had unhealthy lifestyle habits (score of zero) had just as much risk of dying as a seventy-four-year-old individual who had accumulated four points. In people who had good lifestyle habits, researcher particularly observed a decrease in the risk of mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, as well as death from cancer.

Consequently, this study suggests that many people could increase their life expectancy by making simple changes to their lifestyle habits. It can never be repeated enough: do not smoke, eat a healthy diet, drink alcohol in moderation, and be physically active on a regular basis. All of these steps greatly contribute to the prevention of numerous diseases, and significantly increase your chances of living a long and healthy life.