It's not too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Researchers followed the records of people aged 80 years or older (61 percent were women) for an average of five years and found that those with the healthiest lifestyles (not smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a varied diet) were most likely to live to age 100, have no chronic diseases, have better physical and cognitive function, and have much less mental illness. Lifestyle factors that made it less likely to live between 80 and 100 years of age were place of residence, years of education, marital status, presence of chronic diseases, alcohol use, and obesity. In the study, 1,454 people lived to age 100 and 3,768 died before reaching age 100 (JAMA Network Open, 2024 Jun 20;7(6):e2417931). Many previous studies have found similar results, but they have usually followed people after age 60.
The average age at death is 73.5 years worldwide and 77.6 years in China (Lancet2020;396(10258):1160-1203). Many studies have shown that a healthy lifestyle can lead to a longer life free of cancer, heart attacks, and diabetes (BMJ, 2023;380:e072691) and reduced obesity (Obesity (Silver Spring)2016;24(10):2232-2239). Furthermore, obesity is associated with an increased risk of dementia in later life (Dementia Senile cognitive impairment, 2010;30(6):517-24).
I recommend
It's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle, and this study suggests that people over 80 may be able to extend their lifespan by:
• Try to exercise every day.
• Being physically active
• Avoid foods that cause inflammation (red meat, processed meats, foods with added sugar, sugary drinks including fruit juices, and fried foods).
• Eat a variety of anti-inflammatory foods (vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and other seeds)
• Lose excess body fat, especially in the abdominal area
• Maintain blood hydroxyvitamin D levels above 30 ng/mL
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Avoid chronic excessive sun exposure.
• Avoid exposure to a variety of toxic substances, including x-rays and other sources of radiation, pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals.
• Treating chronic infections anywhere in the body
Dr. Gabe Milkin is a Villager. Read more translation:
