Thus the model specifies the impact of the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, according to a score of adhesion to the factors of good health. The message is that this score, made up of different factors that are all modifiable and within everyone’s reach, has a significant impact on the gain in life even at an advanced age.
Gain up to 6 extra years of healthy life
The Japan Collaborate Cohort (JACC) study accurately assesses the impact of lifestyle behavior modification on life expectancy and has been following 49,021 participants for more than 20 years. Its objective is to specify the impact of the various risk factors for death from cancer and cardiovascular causes. Thus, the researchers analyze data concerning diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking status, sleep duration and body mass index (BMI). Points are awarded for each healthy behavior and the impact of changing each of these lifestyle behaviors on lifespan can thus be assessed.
- During follow-up, 8,966 deaths were recorded;
- the highest life gains are linked to reducing alcohol consumption, quitting or not smoking, losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, good sleep habits;
- these factors implemented at midlife can bring up to 6 additional years of healthy life;
- this advantage persists in older people aged 80 or over and those with one or more major comorbidities, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes or kidney disease;
- overall these effects persist at every stage of life from middle age.
An important finding, points out lead author Dr. Hiroyasu Iso, “given aging populations and the prevalence of chronic diseases globally”.
Thus, while lifespan also depends on social factors such as socio-economic status, access to health care or quality food, the importance of lifestyle remains considerable and should be better taken into account in public health policies that should promote these healthy lifestyle choices more strongly.
