For example, as part of a major study published in the British Medical Journal, the researchers have found that life expectancy among adults over 75 is influenced by two habits. The researchers have been observing volunteers for 18 years.
1,661 (91.8%) participants died during the experiment, with half of volunteers surviving for more than 90 years. As a result, it was found that 50% of smokers died a year earlier than non-smokers. Physical activity of all the leisure activities was most associated with longevity. In particular, at the time of death, the average age of participants who regularly swam, jogged, or worked out was two years older than those who did not.
“The life expectancy of people with a low risk profile (healthy lifestyle, participation in at least one leisure activity and high or moderate social activity) was 5.4 years longer than that of people with a high risk profile (unhealthy behavior, lack of participation in leisure activities and limited or low social activity)”, the scientists noted.
Even the oldest volunteers (85 years and older) and people with chronic diseases, according to them, had a median age at death by four years higher if they were in a group with a low risk profile.
In conclusion, the scientists add that smoking cessation and active lifestyle, even after the age of 75, have a positive effect on longevity. In particular, life expectancy for women increases by five years, and for men - by six. A similar correlation albeit weaker, is also present in the elderly (≥85 years) group and in people with chronic illness.
Scientists have previously figured out how many steps one needs to take a day to live longer. Those who walked frequently but in spurts, such as climbing stairs or doing housework had a higher chance of longevity.
Photos are from open sources.
