You Can Increase Your Chance of Living to 90!
I’ve met people in their 90s that seemed as spry and mentally fit as healthy 60 year olds. And I used to chalk it up to genetics. But new research suggests that genetics isn’t the only factor.
The study involved a group of men, average age 72, who were followed from 1981 through 2006 as part of the Physician’s Health Study. Remarkably, 970 men (41%) lived to at least age 90. Researchers found that dying before age 90 was associated with four controllable factors:
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• High Blood Pressure
Researchers also found that men who reported regular exercise lowered their risk of dying by 30%.
These oldsters enjoyed better physical function, mental well-being and self-perceived health than men who had died at a younger age.
The researchers estimated that a 70 year old man who didn’t smoke and had normal blood pressure and weight, no diabetes and exercised two to four times per week had a 54% chance of living 20 more years—to age 90. (Yates, L, Arch Intern Med 2008; 168(3):284-290.)
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: The power to age gracefully and stay healthy is at least partly in your control. Modifiable behaviors like smoking, weight management, blood pressure control and regular exercise are associated with not just longer life, but better health well into old age.
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Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.
