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When it comes to a long, healthy old age, the behaviors we form now may make a big difference in both longevity and health span. “We lose years of health based on the proportion of disability,” notes Linda G.P. Schneider, MD. “Nearly 18% of people from age 65 to 74 have at least one ailment.” According to experts, here are four habits that can shorten your life.
1 — Smoking
According to research, smoking cigarettes reduces one’s lifespan by up to 12 years. One in four heavy smokers die before reaching age 65, according to studies. “Smoking is the number 1 preventable cause of death in the United States,” says Tim McAfee, who is the director of the Center for Disease Control’s Office on Smoking and Health. “We need to do a better job educating Americans about these findings, according on Mr. McAfee. If you smoke, you may lose up to 11 years off your life expectancy; if someone else smokes around you, they will also lose out on approximately 11 years of their life expectancies.”
2 — Unhealthy Diet
According to several studies, a nutritious diet may add ten years to your life, but an unhealthy diet that is based on ultra-processed foods is connected to a higher chance of early death from numerous causes, including cancer and heart disease. “Food is essential for health, and risk factors related to diet are thought to cause 11 million deaths and around 255 million disability-adjusted life years of illness each year across the world.” says Lars Thore Fadnes, nutrition researcher. “People may be able to improve their health prospects by recognizing the health advantages of various food groups.”
3 — Sedentary Lifestyle
According to a study by the European Journal of Public Health, people who are inactive have a 2.5 times higher risk of dying prematurely than those who are active. “According to our study, continuing to be physically active for the longest possible duration is necessary in order to obtain the most health advantages of physical activity in terms of protections against cardiovascular and  all-cause death,” says Dr. Trine Moholdt. “You could also lower your danger by engaging in moderate exercise later in life, regardless of whether you have previously been active… The health advantages go beyond preventing early death to include changes in the organs and cognitive function. Physical activity helps us in living longer and better lives.”
4 — Bad Sleep
The less sleep you get, the shorter your life expectancy. “Sleep is becoming increasingly rare in modern society,” explains Dr. Michelle Drerup. “People aren’t sleeping enough nowadays because there are a lot of other things to do – family, personal activities, and professional demands.” These are problems that need to be addressed but if people realize how essential good sleep is and how they can sleep better, it makes a significant impact.
