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In the age-old debate of nature versus nurture, a pioneering study sheds new light on the interplay between genetics and lifestyle choices in determining human lifespan.

Drawing from a vast pool of data comprising 353,742 participants, researchers embarked on a comprehensive exploration of how lifestyle habits and genetic predispositions intersect to shape longevity. Over a span of approximately 13 years, participants' health trajectories were meticulously tracked, revealing striking correlations between lifestyle decisions and life expectancy.

According to Forbes Health, the researchers grouped participants not only by their genes but also by their lifestyle habits. They divided them into three categories: favorable (23%), intermediate (56%), and unfavorable (21%). Lifestyle scores were determined by factors like sleep quality, alcohol and tobacco use, diet, and physical activity levels. The best combination for a long life includes never smoking, exercising regularly, eating healthily, and getting a full eight hours of sleep.

The study published in the British Medical Journal, found that individuals with "life-shortening" or "unlucky" genes face a 21% higher risk of premature death compared to those with favorable genes, regardless of their lifestyle choices. However, even those with genes that might shorten their lives can benefit greatly from healthy living. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, they can reduce the impact of these genes by over 60%, potentially adding up to five extra years to their lifespan.

Conversely, individuals leading sedentary or unhealthy lifestyles were confronted with a staggering 78% higher risk of premature mortality, irrespective of their genetic makeup. Even those blessed with favorable genes found themselves vulnerable to the detrimental effects of poor lifestyle choices.

Combining an unhealthy lifestyle with unfavorable genes resulted in the most adverse outcome, more than doubling the risk of premature death compared to individuals with healthy habits and protective longevity genes.

While genetics may set the stage, lifestyle choices ultimately dictate the plot of one's life story. By embracing healthy habits and fostering environments conducive to well-being, individuals can defy genetic odds and chart a course towards a longer, healthier life.