Did you know the life expectancy in America is shorter than almost every other high-income country? It stands to reason that lifestyle habits would play a role in our health and well-being. But can we change our numbers if we change our habits? It seems we can! According to an April 2018 article in the journal Circulation, following five particular healthy lifestyle habits can make a pretty significant difference. Researchers looked at 34 years of information gathered on over 42,000 study participants. The five lifestyle habits they examined to determine the impact on life expectancy: moderate to vigorous physical activity, moderate alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet, never smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight. These lifestyle habits were shown to increase life expectancy at age 50 by 12 years in men and 14 years in women. That is quite an impact!
We agree that lifestyle choices play a huge role in our health and well-being, and this study really underscores the importance choosing healthy habits. Adherence to healthy choices may be frustrating or difficult at times, since we are surrounded by fast food restaurants, excessive alcohol, sweets, and packaged foods. Our busy schedules can make convenience foods look appealing. But stick to it! Spend time with friends who adhere to healthy lifestyles. In other situations, try to set a positive example for others. Create an environment that keeps you moving. Walk, bike, swim, garden and work outside. To cut some calories, try daily veggie swaps by exchanging a higher calorie food for an extra vegetable serving or two, such as carrots with hummus instead of crackers with hummus, or zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta.
When we make health a priority, our bodies function optimally, enhancing our life expectancy. Healthy choices really do make a difference!
