A new study from the University of Zurich released yesterday shows that 4 things improve lifespan. I'm betting you won't be surprised to hear any of them.
- Regular Exercise
- No Cigarettes
- Low Alcohol Use
- Healthy Diet
What was interesting to me about this study was while each individual factor affected life expectancy, the one with the most significant effect of the four was cigarette use. Compared with a group of non-smokers, smokers have a 57 percent higher risk of dying prematurely.
The probability of a 75-year-old man with none of the four risk factors surviving the next ten years is 67 percent, exactly the same as the risk for a smoker who is 10 years younger, doesn’t exercise, eats unhealthily and drinks a lot.
The research shows that people who are in middle age who have the healthier lifestyles don't look that different from their less healthy counterparts. However, as we age, the risk gets much higher. Mortality rates are much different for those in the 65-75 range.
The take away for this study definitely was quit smoking if you do smoke. But, even if you don't, the research confirms what is conventional wisdom. Eat healthier, exercise regularly, don't drink too much.