A recent study published in JAMA Network Open on June 20, 2024, underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even in the later stages of life. The research, which focused on the lifestyles of 5,222 individuals aged 80 and above, revealed that healthy habits can significantly increase the likelihood of reaching the milestone age of 100.
The study assessed participants’ lifestyles using a scoring system ranging from zero to 6, with higher scores indicating healthier behaviors. These behaviors included a diverse diet, regular physical activity, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI). The findings were clear: participants who scored between 5 and 6 on the lifestyle scale not only lived longer on average but were also more likely to become centenarians. In contrast, those with scores between zero and 2 had shorter lifespans.
The researchers identified three key lifestyle factors that had the most significant impact on longevity: diet, exercise, and smoking. Those who reached 100 years of age tended to consume more fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, and tea. They also engaged in regular physical activities such as running and practicing qi gong, and notably, they never smoked. Interestingly, alcohol consumption and BMI did not appear to influence the likelihood of living to 100.
While the study’s findings highlight a strong association between these healthy habits and increased longevity, the researchers caution that the study did not account for participants’ lifestyles earlier in life. Nevertheless, the results suggest that adhering to healthy behaviors, even in advanced age, may provide substantial life-extending benefits.