(CNN) — What factors contribute to reaching the age of 70 without developing chronic diseases?
A groundbreaking study led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health sheds light on this question, revealing that diet plays a critical role in healthy aging. The study followed more than 100,000 Americans in their 40s, 50s, and 60s over a span of three decades to explore how lifestyle factors, including nutrition, influence aging.
The findings, published on March 24 in Nature Medicine, suggest that maintaining a healthy diet earlier in life is strongly linked to a greater likelihood of aging without chronic conditions, even after considering other variables like physical activity and smoking.
To better understand how these results could influence dietary choices, particularly in midlife, CNN’s wellness expert, Dr. Leana Wen, weighed in on the study’s implications. Dr. Wen, an emergency physician, adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, and former health commissioner of Baltimore, provided valuable insights into how nutrition impacts long-term health.
“These findings highlight the importance of early nutritional habits in preventing disease and ensuring a longer, healthier life,” Dr. Wen said. “Choosing a balanced, nutritious diet now can set the stage for aging with fewer health complications in the future.”
The study serves as a powerful reminder of the significant role that diet plays in shaping long-term health outcomes, offering valuable guidance for individuals looking to make informed nutrition choices as they age.
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