Aging is an inevitable process, but what if we told you that many people age faster than necessary?
The good news is that you can influence how you age – and it’s easier than you think! Research shows that lifestyle plays a more significant role than genetics in determining the rate at which we age.
Unfortunately, many of us unknowingly engage in daily habits that accelerate this process.
📘 Read The Art of Longevity to understand exactly how you can slow down aging and extend your life.
Scientific Findings: Why We Age Too Quickly
Research has identified crucial lifestyle habits that can extend your lifespan by up to 12-14 years. Neglecting these habits, however, can increase the risk of accelerated aging and diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Here are some of the key factors:
- Lack of Physical Activity: Physical inactivity increases the risk of premature death. Regular exercise, on the other hand, can significantly extend life. For example, a study published in Circulation found that individuals who met the recommended guidelines for physical activity (150-299 minutes per week of moderate intensity) had a 19-25% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to inactive individuals. Read more here.
- Unhealthy Diet: A diet low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and high in sugar and animal fats, can increase the risk of several chronic diseases. For instance, a diet high in processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) states that consuming 50 grams of processed meat daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. Read more here.
- Insufficient Sleep: Inadequate sleep is linked to an increased risk of several health issues. A meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care found that both short and long sleep durations are associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Specifically, for each hour decrease below 7 hours of sleep per day, the risk increases by 9%, and for each hour increase above 7 hours, the risk increases by 14%. Read more here.
- Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress can have severe health consequences. Research from the Karolinska Institutet indicates that individuals diagnosed with both chronic stress and depression have up to a fourfold higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to those without these conditions. Read more here.
- Poor Social Relationships: Loneliness and social isolation can have serious health implications. A meta-analysis published in Heart found that individuals with poor social relationships had a 32% increased risk of stroke. Furthermore, social isolation is linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease. Read more here.
How Can You Slow Down Aging?
To avoid unnecessary accelerated aging, it’s essential to make lifestyle changes. But where should you start?
📘 Read The Art of Longevity to understand exactly how you can slow down aging and extend your life.
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