According to a report on the British “New Scientist” website on the 7th, a new study conducted by scientists at Columbia University in the United States found that eight healthy habits, including not smoking, exercising regularly, and controlling cholesterol, may slow down aging and make people’s biological age older than their actual age. young. Related papers will be presented at the American Heart Association’s annual scientific meeting in Philadelphia on November 12.
The American Heart Association has previously proposed the “Eight Elements of Life” to help people improve cardiovascular health. These eight elements (healthy habits) include: engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical exercise per week; eating a balanced diet with more vegetables, nuts and lean protein; not smoking; ensuring 7-9 hours of sleep every night; maintaining Healthy weight; cholesterol control; blood sugar control; blood pressure control.
In the latest study, Noor Makarim of the Mailman School of Public Health and colleagues found that following this list not only promotes heart health but also slows the body’s aging process.
Makarim’s team evaluated more than 6,500 participants for their compliance with this checklist. The participants reported on their compliance with diet, exercise, smoking and sleep recommendations, and the team also measured their weight, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. The team also calculated the participants’ biological ages by measuring their levels of chemicals related to metabolism, inflammation and organ function, such as glucose and creatinine.
Compared with the actual age calculated according to the calendar, physiological age can more comprehensively reflect a person’s aging situation.
The research team found that the biological age of the participants who most adhered to the “eight elements of life” was on average 6 years younger than their actual age; while the biological age of the participants who least adhered to the eight elements was on average 4 years older than their actual age.
Makarim pointed out that following the “Eight Elements of Life” can slow down the body’s aging process, which will bring many benefits, including extending disease-free years and reducing the risk of premature death.
In the future, doctors can monitor a person’s compliance with the Eight Elements of Life to measure their rate of physiological aging as well as their heart health, thereby promoting early intervention and prevention.