A recent study published in Nature Medicine reveals that your lifestyle and environment greatly influence your longevity, even more than your genes. This research, conducted by Oxford Population Health, analyzed data from over 490,000 participants in the UK Biobank, focusing on their medical histories and environmental factors.
The study aimed to understand how much of our aging process is dictated by genetics versus our surroundings and habits. Lead author Austin Argentieri from Massachusetts General Hospital explains that they could estimate how fast or slow participants were aging biologically compared to their chronological age. This difference is referred to as the “proteomic age gap,” a significant predictor of mortality and related factors like frailty and cognitive function.
Researchers examined various factors such as income, marital status, diet, exercise, and living conditions alongside genetic information. They found some eye-opening results: environmental factors accounted for 17% of the variation in death risk, while genetics contributed under 2%.
Key influences that impacted both mortality and biological aging included:
- Smoking
- Socioeconomic status
- Physical activity
- Living conditions
Professor Cornelia van Duijn, senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings. She noted that while genetics play a role in certain brain and cancer conditions, lifestyle changes and policies focused on improving socio-economic conditions, reducing smoking, and promoting physical activity could significantly lower the risks of chronic diseases affecting the lungs, heart, and liver.
These revelations suggest a shift in focus. Instead of solely relying on genetic testing, we should concentrate on modifying our environments and behaviors to fend off age-related diseases and premature death. Argentieri mentioned that their study offered a comprehensive view of how our environment and lifestyle choices affect aging.
By understanding these dynamics, we can take actionable steps towards healthier lives. This study serves as a powerful reminder that we hold the key to our health in our everyday choices.
For more information, you can explore the detailed findings in the press release from Oxford University here.
Check out this related article: Transform Your Life: Proven Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk – News18
Source link