Longevity is not just a matter of genetics. We have learned that the lifestyle we adopt is as crucial as what we have inherited from our parents and, in general, the majority of the population is increasingly aware of how our daily habits impact our health.
In this sense, various investigations have focused on an increasingly prolific scientific field: epigenetics. Epigenetics is the science that delves into the reading of DNA blueprints and the elements that can alter that interpretation. Through this branch of knowledge, we discover how aspects such as physical activity, diet, the environment and our emotions can significantly impact our health and longevity, says Dr. Maroon.
Coinciding with the postulates of the longevity expert, this month, during the annual meeting of the American Nutrition Society (Nutrition 2023), a study conducted with 720,000 people found that those who had adopted certain healthy habits from the age of 40 years old had a longer life expectancy.
According to research findings, an orderly and emotionally fulfilling lifestyle is associated with 24 more years of life for men and 21 years for women. 7 habits of longevity 1 – Restorative rest at night
Sleeping at least 7 hours a night is essential for biological and mental repair. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost 40% of the world population does not get quality sleep. 2 – Manage stress levels
A study from Harvard University indicates that inadequate stress management can accelerate aging. However, if the stress is temporary, the signs of biological aging can be reversed. 3 – Physical activity every day
A recent study from the UK revealed that moderate physical activity can prevent diseases associated with ageing, such as pneumonia and the complications of diabetes. Additionally, it was found that people who exercise regularly are less likely to be hospitalized for various conditions. 4 – Do not smoke or be around smokers
“Tobacco causes wrinkles on the skin, which makes it look older.
Smoking causes premature aging of the skin due to the breakdown of the proteins that give it elasticity, the depletion of vitamin A and the reduction of blood supply.
Wrinkles are most visible around the lips and eyes. In addition, tobacco leaves the skin dry and leathery”, warns the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). 5- Maintain a balanced diet A balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits is essential. The WHO recommends reducing salt intake to less than 5 grams per day to prevent cardiovascular disease and suggests avoiding ultra-processed foods. 6 – Maintain positive social relationships
A Harvard study identified that maintaining healthy and positive relationships is essential to a long and happy life. The analysis is considered the longest investigation in history on happiness and its conclusion was that maintaining an active social life is the key to keeping us happy and warding off disease. 7 – Control alcohol consumption
Research published in November found that between 2015 and 2019, binge drinking caused nearly 140,000 deaths each year in the United States.
“The risk starts to rise well below the levels where people think, ‘Oh, that person has an alcohol problem,'” said Tim Naimi, director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria who participated in the investigation. “Alcohol is harmful to health from very low levels,” he said.