At age 30, start to change to live longer
According to a new study from the University of Jyvaskyla (France), habits such as smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol and laziness to exercise in your 20s can silently destroy your health from the age of 36. Research that has been tracked for more than 30 years on people born in 1959 has shown that the risk of acquired behavior over time is closely linked to poor physical condition and poor mental health.
Dr. Katja Kokko - Research Director at the Center for Geriatrics and the Department of Sports and Health, University of Jyvaskyla - commented: "both the number and accumulation of risky behaviors over time are associated with lower happiness levels and poor health conditions".
Small changes, big benefits
Putting in small changes in your 30s like getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising can prevent long-term health damage and improve both your physical and mental health right now, says Dr Pamela Bowen, Associate Professor at UAB Nursing School (USA).
She also noted that barriers such as lack of health education, access to health care, or lack of social support can make it difficult for some people to adopt healthy habits. But if you can start early, the long-term effects are very obvious.
It's never too late to start
Don't let age discourage you. Health can still improve significantly at all stages of life. Even if you start in your 40s or older, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help improve your mood, health and even partially reverse damage, says Dr. Bowen.
Middle-aged people who start HIIT (high-intensity intermittent practice) can improve their biological aging index by more than three years. Similarly, omega-3 supplementation in people over 70 years old also has a positive effect on the aging process.
The sooner it starts, the better, but the most important thing is to never think too late. Every positive step in lifestyle is an investment in a healthier future," Bowen emphasized.
