Harmful Practices Boosting Earlier demise Probability
Living a healthy lifestyle is a key factor in increasing life expectancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While genetic characteristics and accidents are factors that are out of our control, there are several daily habits that can be modified to potentially extend one's lifespan.
Some daily habits linked to a shorter lifespan include skipping strength training, not taking days off from work, sitting too much daily, lack of social engagement, neglecting regular health check-ups, not protecting hearing, maintaining a negative outlook, and not staying hydrated.
For instance, skipping strength training, especially leg exercises, affects balance, brain health, and muscle function, increasing the risk for falls and lost mobility. Replacing this habit with regular strength training can improve muscle strength, balance, and brain health.
Similarly, not taking regular rest days from work can lead to burnout and stress. Taking regular rest days can help prevent burnout and reduce stress levels.
Sitting for prolonged periods can negatively impact cardiovascular health. Breaking up prolonged sitting with standing or walking breaks can help mitigate this risk.
Lack of social engagement can reduce mental and emotional well-being. Staying socially connected through clubs, classes, or community group activities can help maintain a positive mental state.
Neglecting regular health check-ups, such as dentist visits, can lead to undetected health issues. Attending regular medical and dental check-ups is crucial for early detection and treatment of health problems.
Not protecting hearing in noisy environments can potentially harm brain health. Wearing hearing protection in noisy environments can help prevent hearing loss and maintain brain health.
Maintaining a negative outlook is linked to poorer brain health. Practicing positive thinking or mindfulness techniques such as meditation can improve longevity by reducing cellular aging.
Dehydration, especially in warm temperatures, can affect overall health. Maintaining adequate hydration daily is essential for good health.
In addition to these habits, general medical consensus also warns against smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and insufficient sleep. Replacing these habits with no smoking, a balanced diet, daily exercise, and sufficient restorative sleep can further promote longevity.
By adopting these healthier habits, many adults may potentially live to 90 years old or longer. As of 2022, the average life expectancy for a U.S. adult is 77.5 years. However, with the right lifestyle choices, this number could increase significantly.
In conclusion, to support a longer, healthier life, one should combine physical activity (including strength training), mental stimulation through learning and socializing, stress management techniques like meditation, regular health care, positive mindset, and proper hydration. These changes, along with avoiding habits such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and insufficient sleep, can contribute to a longer, healthier life.
[1] Source: Mayo Clinic, "Healthy Lifestyle: 8 Ways to Boost Your Health," accessed 2022-04-01 [4] Source: Harvard Health Publishing, "Staying hydrated: The importance of water," accessed 2022-04-01 [5] Source: American Heart Association, "Lifestyle changes: 7 simple steps to prevent heart disease," accessed 2022-04-01
Strengthening our physical health through regular strength training, especially leg exercises, could improve balance, brain health, and muscle function, potentially reducing the risk for falls and lost mobility. Adopting a natural sleep pattern and ensuring sufficient restorative sleep can help maintain good mental and emotional well-being, as neglecting sleep can be linked to poor health.
