Lifestyle linked to a longer lifespan--study

A new study challenges the popular belief that longevity can be inherited through the genes.

According to researchers, it is actually one's habits and a healthier lifestyle that is able to increase life expectancy.

Lead author of the study, professor emeritus Lars Wilhelmsen from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden stated, "Our study shows that hereditary factors don't play a major role and that lifestyle has the biggest impact."

The 1913 Men study
In a bid to assess the impact of lifestyle on life span the researchers focused on the 1913 Men epidemiological study that began in 1963.

As a part of the health and longevity studies, one-third of all 50-year-old men in Gothenburg were monitored for cardiovascular problems.

Every 10 years after the study commenced a new group of 50-year-olds was called for a medical check-up. In addition, those already enrolled in the study were given another health check.

This regimen enabled the experts to keep track of medical problems in a specific age group. It also helped them to compare the health of the 50-year-olds in 2003 with those of the same age in 1963.

Factors such as body mass index (BMI0, cholesterol, smoking habits, blood pressure, physical activity as well as social activity were taken into account.

The men born in 1913 were examined at ages 50, 54, 60, 67, 75 and 80.

Findings of the study
It was noted that out of 855 men who took part in the study right from the start, 111 (13 percent) celebrated their 90th birthday.

The investigators found that people who abstain from smoking, drink moderate amounts of coffee, are economically stable in mid-life, have low cholesterol have the greatest chances of living to very ripe old ages.

"We're breaking new ground here," says Wilhelmsen. "Many of these factors have previously been identified as playing a role in cardiovascular disease, but here we are showing for the first time that they are important for survival in general."

He added, "The study clearly shows that we can influence several factors that decide how old we get.

"This is positive not only for the individual, but also for society as it doesn't entail any major drug costs."

The study has been published in the 'Journal of Internal Medicine.'