Osaka University researchers discovered that adjusting lifestyle behaviors can have a significant impact on lifespan, even in those with chronic health issues.
Ever since the beginning of civilization, humans have wanted to live longer. Whether it be the Fountain of Youth, Gilgamesh’s secret plant of immortality, or the elixir of life, the idea of immortality is incredibly prevalent in humanity’s oldest and most well-known stories.
Unfortunately, immortality is only a myth. The average lifespan in the United States is nearly 79 years and it is unlikely to increase dramatically in the next few years. Still, scientists have been researching how to increase our longevity and have found promising results.
Impact of Lifestyle Changes on Life Expectancy
Idioms and proverbs emphasizing the significance of good health have been passed down for centuries. Many emphasize how closely health is linked to happiness and the ability to live a full and joyful life. A study published in Age and Ageing on May 11, 2022, by The Japan Collaborate Cohort (JACC) Study group at Osaka University examined the impact of adjusting lifestyle habits on life expectancy from middle age onwards. The researchers discovered that adopting five or more healthy lifestyle behaviors boosted life expectancy even in those over the age of 80, and, importantly, including those with chronic conditions.
Lifespan is influenced by social factors such as socioeconomic level, policy factors such as subsidized healthcare access, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. The current study used a baseline survey from the JACC study, a large research effort involving 49,021 people performed in 45 locations in Japan from 1988 to 1990. The goal was to learn about what variables that lead to cancer and cardiovascular disease death, therefore the questionnaire included questions on diet, exercise, alcohol use, smoking status, sleep duration, and body mass index. Each healthy activity was given a point, and the impact of changing these lifestyle habits on the expected lifetime was evaluated.
Lifestyle Changes and Increased Longevity
The study continued until December 2009, by which time 8,966 individuals had died. The study’s primary author, Dr. Ryoto Sakaniwa said. “The results were very clear. A higher number of modified healthy behaviors was directly associated with great longevity for both men and women.” The lifetime gains were highest for reducing alcohol intake, not smoking, losing weight, and increasing sleep, adding up to 6 years of life for healthy 40-year-olds.
This benefit was prominent even among older individuals (80 years or more) and those with one or more major comorbidities including cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease, and in each life stage from middle age onwards. “This is a particularly important finding given that the prevalence of chronic diseases has increased globally and is a major cause of death in older populations,” says Senior author, Prof. Hiroyasu Iso. This is one of the first studies to measure the impact of improvements to health behavior among older individuals in a country with a national life expectancy achieving almost 85 years.
The finding that lifestyle improvements have a positive impact on health despite chronic health conditions and older age is an empowering one, especially given the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and longer life. The findings of this study will contribute to the design of future healthcare settings, public health approaches, and policies that work in partnership with patients to promote healthy lifestyle choices.
Reference: “Impact of modifiable healthy lifestyle adoption on lifetime gain from middle to older age” by Ryoto Sakaniwa, Midori Noguchi, Hironori Imano, Kokoro Shirai, Akiko Tamakoshi, Hiroyasu Iso and The JACC Study Group, 11 May 2022, Age and Ageing.
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac080
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91 Comments
“Ya think?”
Still; who of us can deny; simply watching Gilligan’s Island daily IS the answer we all seek.
Iām definitely with Richard, Gilligan for president. Gives me peace and takes me back to watch wholesome shows like that . Makes me feel young again šššš
We should care more about the planets lifespan than our own. If the planet is healthy we will be too. If we continue to pollute the planet then we will be killing ourselves as well. Stop the Human virus attach on the planetary ecosystems.
Then go join Sadhguru’s #SaveSoil. That’s where the future of that philosophy lies.
How much did they pay you to spam? Atleast make it realistic. Future of philosophy my foot.
If you are an evolutionist, the “human virus” is itself a product of the earth and cannot be blamed. But you echo the Georgia Guidestones, a mockery of the Ten Commandments, which alludes to an alternative theory of origins. Jesus said “I saw Satan fall like lightning to the Earth” And “the devil cometh not but to kill steal and destroy.”
Why dont you stop using the resources from the planet then and elimimate yourself and help the planet if you care about it more than yourself? But im sure your all talk.
Edgelord lol
Finally someone with a functioning brain and critical thinking skills in this comment section.
Lifespan, lifespan, lifespan….. medicine rarely talks about *quality* of life.
I would rather die younger after having lived strong like my grandfather than live the last few months or years rotting in a wheelchair like many in old age homes and hospices like my parents generation.
Did you even read the article man it talked about quality of life, and living the last year’s not in a wheel chair by making these changes… So not only does it extend your Life span but it gives you higher quality of life too. Don’t be ignorant
You may still be in a wheelchair even if you make the changes, only you will be 100 years old instead of 80… The article doesn’t say you will die healthy
So many pathetically stupid comments. So very sad. Just shows that public schools do not educate children any longer they indoctrinate.
Its obvious Tom has nothing smart to say. He just likes trolling peoples comments and running his mouth from behind a screen. Real tough guy uh?
@Sam Did you even read the article? Pretty sure the people who are bed ridden at the end of their lives are the ones not following this advice.
@Tom So many stupid comments? There are a grand total of four as of your post. And only one of them is stupid (I guess two if you count yours).
Well, I don’t see anyone twisting your arm. You can do what ever pleases you but no matter what, I would rather live a healthy lifestyle even if i don’t live any longer
This is Incredible research. I never knew improving ones diet and amount of exercise would reduce illness and improve lifespan. We are truly riding the wave of new insight and it’s exciting.
We have to live like Hari Krishna as they actually do it all over the world but im a hypocrite I’d rather spend on a six pack beers we have sold our soles to personal comfort wealth entertainment to live longer to pollution the world in One of them
Aaaand blacklisted. Later.
So, don’t smoke, limit alcohol consumption, maintain proper weight, eat a balanced diet, and exercise? Well,duh!
If you are an evolutionist, the “human virus” is itself a product of the earth and cannot be blamed. But you echo the Georgia Guidestones, a mockery of the Ten Commandments, which alludes to an alternative theory of origins. Jesus said “I saw Satan fall like lightning to the Earth” And “the devil cometh not but to kill steal and destroy.”
Nothing new in this finding…looking for a magic potion I guess.
Agree #savesoil
Backing Sadhguru to save the planet
6 great years Hugging ..love your family šŖ. 6years opening your eyes to see this wonderful planet.6 years to breath and smile. 6 years to say one more good bye to my grandchildren. YES I want that.
Life is no more than a whisper you couldn’t hear.When you think you have the answers your moment will be past.Your existence forgotten.Hug that wife..Kiss that grand child..Tell that person next to you ..its ok we are going to make it..SMile my friends our time is so short.That is your way to live on.
Pretty common sense. This has been the US Preventative Task Force recommendations for years this is not new information.
Now that science is behind common sense, I wonder how many people will make changes.
You might live longer but….. What about having awful health!!!
If people knew the truth, that they posess the power to heal themselves we would no longer have use for the corrupt healthcare system that is only interested in getting rich by keeping people sick
So basically, don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t eat, and sleep a lot and you’ll live a healthy and long life.
I’m enjoying these comments more than the article!
@Tom, yours was the worst of comments. I really thought after u our criticism you would have done the expected: ride the wave of superior inclination and teach others what they left out. Sad and pathetic.
Health is wealth . The human body does wear.
You are what you eat .
How long is a long life? I’m 80 now but wore out my hips running to lose weight. I now use a cane.
Most of the thin older people I know, usually, did not exercise, they just ate very little.
eat meat , meat heals meatrx insullinIQ dietDr carnivore cure
CarnivoreMD intermittent fasting Jason Fung et Al.
Live health , collagen heals all of the body’s tissues and single cell structures that damage easily with radical glucose. So fyi there is a protein leverage hypothesis where the body pursues food until the adequate amount of protein is consumed. so for the sake of metabolic health and glucose and harmonal regulation have your fatty meat first and fast so that your liver can rest for it to efficiently make use of all radical chemicals and substances in your body. You are a chemical being.
Yes..I definitely learned one thing… that Tom is a total ass !!!š¤£
I’m sorry tom I shouldn’t have said that…just be nice man !!when you say stuff like that people are going to think you an a** and really maybe your not
Just saying š¤š¤·āāļø
Many people lost hope. I will live to age 120
OOOOH, WOW, GROUNDBREAKING!!!
NOT!!!!!!!
MEATLOAF SANG IT BEST..
Now I’m praying for the end of time , so I can end my time with you.. Will you love me !!
Let me sleep on it !!!!
You live everyday. You die once. Just make the best of it.
The article doesnāt list all the changes so itās clickbait. Also, the study says nothing about quality of life. Just quantity.
The planet will survive, recover and evolve long after we are gone, As will the rest of the universe. Be kind, Enjoy your spec of time here.
To the one saying we should care about the planets life span than ours,why dont you just eliminate yourself then and quit using the earths resources to survive since you dont care about your life.
@Adam well thanks for opening my eyes to the Georgia guidestones. As an evolutionist I didn’t realize there were ten commandments I needed follow… SMH. Ask yourself this question is God everything?
Ever tried just being a human being and practice being real and happy.
I try to get at least 8 hour’s of good sleep each night. I take between a 30-60 minute nap during the day. I fast and exercise for two days then eat a very healthy meal. I fast and exercise again for 2 more days then eat a healthy meal again. So far I’ve had fantastic results. I don’t drink or smoke as well.
My folks are 94(dad) 93(mom) will be 94 in 2mths. Been married little over 70 years just uses a walker to walk and my mom loves her red meat
I noticed it’s the desire to live and have something to look forward to that makes the quality of life better
“Mind is the builder
Spirit is the life
Physical is the result”
Edgar Cayce
Or simply put “it’s all in your head” Charles Vrooman
Do you want more years in your life or more life in your years?
Tom, all the hate coming at you says that you are over the target. šÆ lol
If you want to live longer smoke more weed.
A lot of people are saying this is all obvious, but I think the main point of the study is the finding that even late in life, even after already being diagnosed with heart disease or something, making these changes can still help a person live longer, by several years too. That wasn’t really obvious or quantified in any way before this study.
Also, even if something is common sense, all medical practice and advice has to come from actual data and evidence, and often actual data and evidence is needed for policy changes as well.
I think the negative naysayers have to have something to say about everything. Its an article. Take away from it what you will and stop your senseless bickering. I got that one can increase their lifespan by at least 7 years; eating right, exercise, keeping a healthy weight, and don’t smoke and limit alcohol, which basically is nothing new.
Oh please, like this is new advice, get the plastics out of everything, then we’ll talk.
The bottom line is this.life is to be enjoyed. Your time to die has already been decided for you.people. live however makes you happy. When it’s your time to go,it’s your time to go.
The comment section is filled with stupidity. And who ever here is promoting the sadhguru’s soil moment must research a bit about it and how it’s trash.
Finally someone with a functioning brain and critical thinking skills in this comment section.
Roselba Garcia–that is incorrect. Please watch the documentary, “Forks over knives”. Americans, especially men die so much younger than the men throughout the rest of the world. Why? Because of red meat intake. Red meat is HORRIBLE for anyone, AND horrible on the planet.
Gorge Burns smoked 10 to 12 cigars a day for 70 years. He lived 100 years. He never smoked cigarettes.
President grant smoked 20 to 30 cigars a day and lived 63 years
Why is this comment section so overly dramatic
Nobody is willing to give up their excesses, so they make an issue of it
Go Vegan it helped me get off all my medicine prescriptions, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, blood thinner, and Lost weight 80lbs.
A1c 5.6 from 12.1.
Lowered my cholesterol and high blood pressure.
No thanks.
Why waste time and money researching this aspect of longevity? We all know this already, yet it is presented as a Revelation!
How does one die ?, something has to fail physically does it not, when was the last time you heard of an elderly person playing volly ball the day before they died,there is nothing we can do to stop our bodies from deteriorating that’s God plan since the fall of Adam in the Garden, they lived 900 years, then God said man thinks evil continually, so mans lifespan will not exceed 120 years,and if The Almighty decrees it I believe 100 %
Peace, Love, and Light, I send You all PURELIGHTENERGYBEAMS of Positive Blessings, Manifestations, and Affirmations of Peace, Love, and Light !!!…
Love Yourself and You will live longer, and if You take care of Your health like Yyou know You should You will Live longer as well, we all can shine Light, so shine Your Light to brighten the way for others lost, and help them find their way home, Peace, Love, and Light , have a Awsome ,Positive Day
You can not increase or decrease your lifespan. The day you are born, your death date is also set. You have a specific amount of time on this Earth from your creator& that’s it.
Nice hook to get you to read this. Anyone with any intelligence could come to the same conclusion as this article. Get to the point and say what those changes should be! I just wasted part of my life reading this article.
@Shawn: Hahahahahahaha that was funny
@Rosalba Garcia:Gross
My mom used to smoke but she quit in about her 40s she still drinks beer and enjoys eating food that aren’t considered that healthy she’ll be turning 97 in September of this year thank God she’s lived the life she’s wanted.
What I have taken away from this article is. If we take care of ourselves with plenty of sleep, eat right, exercise and maintain a happy disposition. We have a great deal of success in living a longer and more fruitful life.
Seams pretty simple as long as we keep it simple and not muddy the waters with negative reactions on every topic out there.
I am not saying to isolate yourself in a bubble away from all other problems.
However, if I stress out over everything and try to fix every problem and worry about what other people think. Causing lack of sleep and stress eating. I may not live as long worrying about what someone thinks that I may be a human parasite. If I don’t live as long, I suppose I decrease my chances to make a difference.
Pick one or two things in life the you feel you can do to make the world a better place. It doesn’t have to be the whole world. They don’t have to be big and they don’t have to be important to other people.
Any improvement is still an improvement.
They also don’t have to be headliner problems.
Enjoy what you do and don’t stress about the things you can’t fix. It’s like being on an airplane. You have to put on your mask first before you help the child next to you. If you don’t, you both may not live much longer. I don’t expect that someone who can’t take care of themselves, would be an ideal candidate to take care of me or my family.
So, when someone has spent years performing a study to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives.
I guess you can say, they have done some good doing something they enjoy doing. Great job on their part and for their accomplishments. And I say thank you to those people.
If you want to jump on here a ridicule everyone for not doing what you want or what you think they should do because it’s what is important to you. Sounds pretty selfish and also seems to be the total opposite to what the article is suggesting you should do. If you can’t seem to get it by now, then I guess I don’t need to waste my time trying to fix, help or save you.
I will enjoy my coffee and continue relaxing today because when I return to work on Monday, I will spend my day enjoying my job of making the world a better and safer place for all of us to enjoy.
I am pretty certain that when I start Monday, I won’t be looking back at the negativity I see today.
I won’t be thinking about someone to blame. I won’t be worried about what other people’s concerns to my response are.
Whatever you do, if it makes you feel better for doing it and it is something that someone might say thank you for. You might be heading in the right direction for yourself as well as others.
If Whatever you say or do causes a debate and negative reactions or responses. You may want to reconsider or re-evaluate your intentions. So many of the issues we see to today wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for one or both sides being selfish in some way shape or form. Having a passion to fight and voice what you believe in can be a good thing. How you fight and voice yourself is what makes you who you are. If people are not telling you “thank you”. Your intentions may be selfish.
I watched Gilligan’s Island but Sheriff Andy & Mayberry made more sense to me. Plain old diet (fresh veg & lean meat or…tofu) and exercise (CrossFit) still makes sense, too.
Interesting that this is actually an article? So, simple. Eat right, sleep enough, don’t be a fatso, don’t abuse alcohol, don’t fill your lungs with smoke! This has been being preached since about 1960’s! And Americans are fatter then they’ve ever been! Now even accepted in Media. Ever go into a hospital, the nurses are huge! Etc.,
very vague article.
The future is uncertain and the end is always near. Jim Morrison
Thank you Fred.You said it perfectly.
Cheers buddy, have a great weekend
If you truly wish to save the planet earth then go about the work to save the family. Mothers and Fathers can and will have the greatest influences on our children. We as parents best learn how to be parents. Teaching our children about an ecosystem that as parents we do not respect then our children will not respect it. Spiritual awareness is the key to a happy life. Weather your faith falls to Budda or Christ or any higher powe,, faith is the only channel to our ability to teach anyone especially our offspring. Saving the planet begins at birth. Currently it is fashionable to hug trees instead of kids. They say it is cool to be liberal. Any parent that could ever allow their 7 year old boy or girl to decide they want to change their gender is not a parent at all. The beast himself lives amoung us or this gender conversation would not be part of our daily lives. Like I said hug your kids instead of trees. Tommy in Canyon Lake Texas.
Its a great idea being aware that treating your body correctly will cause wonderful health results. However you can’t make people that abuse their bodies to change behavior. If you are a abuser of alcohol, nicotine,food, drugs etc. Your sure to disregard the truth even when friends are dying younger than others. We are creatures of are own demise.
I think I found the fountain of youth and evolution. Just move Christians to their own continent where they only have themselves to destroy. Build a wall so they don’t contaminate across their continent.
I like this article. I have to say to be honest it says since the beginning of man we strive to live longer. That may not always been the case. At one point survival was so tough that people were more worried about eating and not getting eaten.
Disease has been a big factor in life span for us.There might have been places of paradise that don’t exist that a fountain of youth effect.Moses was over five hundred.
If I had my way I would want to live forever but many feel the opposite. If we could keep people from getting board or tired of life and everything was good and didn’t have to worry about alot. I bet most people start living longer. If the planet was in better shape,that would be a good start as well.
My goodness Cory that’s a bit extreme?
Eliminate himself?
Bro you just jinxed yourself RIP
The comment section here should be another study.Some comments here carry some anger with a touch of hostility. They may be a opinion which one has a right too, but it’s very telling of the state of mind of the individual. This article may not point to a revolutionary discovery, but only strengthen what may be evident in practice.Social behavior, when one is asked to eat their spinach and a tantrum is exhibited as an adult is comical at best.
ThIs Is So CoOl I wIlL TrY ThIs!!!!!!!!
I’m going out to water my garden and appreciate the many beautiful flowers. It’s a glorious morning, sunny and breezy. I can see three hummingbirds around the feeder. Y’all have a blessed day.
Cutting 3 hours from your sleep schedule over a 50 year period will gain you over 6 years of being awake and doing things when you would ordinarily be asleep.
Keep balence in your life. People know their habits reduce their lifespan, but chose to keep the habit(s). That is ok. Today’s Human population on Earth is far out of balence with the planet. We all know this but do nothing to correct this either. We are creatures of habit.
The greater question is, given our failure to control our numbers, what will mother nature do or allow to restore plantery species balence. The 4 horsemen draw closer, yet we sit idle.
I woke up in the night and read this article. Think I’ll go back to sleep now. š
I certainly do not want to extend my life beyond the expected 80 years. At 59 years old I am already weary with it all and dread the chaos that seems so dominant in the future.