Health and lifestyle factors linked to increased longevity

A study published in the journal ‘Circulation’ has identified five key lifestyle factors that can extend life expectancy by up to 14 years. Based on a 34-year observation of over 123,000 healthcare workers, researchers found that individuals adhering to all five principles—not smoking, maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI), engaging in regular physical activity, consuming moderate amounts of alcohol, and following a healthy diet—had a 74 percent lower relative risk of death from any cause compared to those following none.

The benefits were most significant regarding cardiovascular health, where the risk of death from circulatory diseases dropped by 82 percent, and cancer mortality, which decreased by 65 percent.

Other health guidance emphasizes the importance of daily habits, such as regular movement to manage blood glucose levels and the consumption of fermented foods like yogurt and kefir to support gut microbiota and immunity. Experts also note that seasonal changes can impact energy levels due to shifts in light exposure, affecting melatonin and serotonin production.