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Following a healthy lifestyle could help extend one's lifespan.

In a study published in the BMJ Evidence Based Medicine journal, researchers found compelling evidence suggesting that adhering to a healthy lifestyle could serve as a potent defense against premature mortality, even for individuals genetically predisposed to early death.

Lead author Dr. Xue Li, the dean of the School of Public Health at Zhejian University School of Medicine in China, said that lifestyle choices can mitigate the risk of early death by approximately 62% among individuals with a genetic predisposition.

The study, encompassing data from over 350,000 individuals, meticulously examined the interplay between genetics, lifestyle factors, and lifespan. Dr. Aladdin Shadyab, an associate professor of public health and medicine at the University of California San Diego, commended the study's robust methodology, underscoring its significance in elucidating the nexus between lifestyle and longevity.

While the research primarily focused on individuals of European ancestry, limiting its generalizability to other populations, the findings showed a universal truth: irrespective of genetic predisposition, an unhealthy lifestyle substantially elevates the risk of premature death.

According to the study, individuals embracing unhealthy lifestyle habits were 78% more likely to succumb to early mortality. Moreover, those with both genetic susceptibility and poor lifestyle choices faced twice the risk of premature death compared to their counterparts with healthier habits.

Remarkably, people with a genetic predisposition to shorter lifespans could extend their longevity by up to 5.5 years through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle regimen.

"Adherence to a healthy lifestyle could substantially attenuate the lifespan reduction for individuals with genetic susceptibility to a shorter lifespan," Li stated, CNN reported.

Li stressed the pivotal role of lifestyle modifications, citing four key factors -- abstaining from smoking, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep duration and a balanced diet -- as pivotal in prolonging lifespan. Notably, adhering to these lifestyle principles offers substantial benefits in offsetting genetic predispositions to early death.

While the study's observational nature precludes causal conclusions, it highlights the tangible impact of lifestyle choices on longevity. Encouragingly, actionable steps such as smoking cessation programs, moderate alcohol consumption, adopting Mediterranean dietary patterns and prioritizing adequate sleep can empower individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles and unlock the potential for a longer, more vibrant life.