Key Conditions for a Long Life: What Scientists Found

Harvard scientists found that a healthy lifestyle can extend life expectancy by more than ten years. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption reduce the risk of death by 74%. The study covered 44,000–78,000 people.

Harvard scientists concluded that adhering to a healthy lifestyle can increase life expectancy by more than ten years. The study, based on long-term observations of 44,000–78,000 people, showed that five key factors—a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption—significantly reduce the risk of death. Participants who followed all five conditions had a 74% lower probability of dying during the study period compared to those who ignored healthy habits. For people aged 50, life expectancy without healthy habits was 29 years for women and 25.5 years for men, whereas with a healthy lifestyle it reached 87.6–93.1 years. The scientists also noted that stress reduction and adequate sleep play a significant role, but emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach, as each factor individually has a smaller effect.