Study: Healthy Habits Can Make People’s Lives Longer

A new study found that practicing healthy habits can extend a person’s life span. The research is an extension of a previous study that observed over 38,000 men and 73,000 women for 28 and 34 years, respectively. The new study analyzed how healthy habits can affect a person’s risk of developing cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases from 50 years old. In the study, the researchers identified five healthy behaviors: not smoking, drinking alcohol moderately, adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)—a body size measurement. The study found that 50-year-old women who adopted all five healthy practices lived 14 years longer than those who had no lifestyle changes. In addition, men who followed all healthy habits at 50 years old had 12 more years of life compared to those who did not. Results also showed that half of the participants who were diagnosed with cancer during the study lived an additional 23 years if they followed four to five healthy habits. Similar patterns were observed in those who had diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. The researchers explained that none of the five healthy habits stood out, and benefits were similar across all habits. Thus, they concluded that these five healthy practices not only prolong one’s life span but also improve a person’s quality of life. According to lead researcher Dr. Frank Hu, the results suggest that it is never too late for people to practice the five healthy habits. He advised people, regardless of time and age, to embrace a healthy lifestyle so they can reap the benefits later in life.