Want to live to 90 years old? A new report reveals how you can.
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Researchers from health institutions in The Netherlands recently conducted a study, published in theBMJ medical journal, to determine the link between body size and the likelihood of reaching 90 years of age.
To do so, they examinedmore than 7,000 men and women between ages 55 and 69 over the course of three decades. They recorded the subjects’ height and weight as well as their physical activity, like gardening and walking. The team then grouped those activities into three categories: less than 30 minutes daily, 30 to 60 minutes daily and 90 minutes or more daily.
The participants were monitored until they died or turned 90.
At the end of the study, about 16 percent of the men and about 34 percent of the women survived to the age of 90.
In fact, the authors found that women who were taller than 5 feet 9 inches were 31 percent more likely to reach 90, compared to those who were under 5 feet 3 inches.
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There was no apparent link between height and longevity among men. However,men who did physical activity 90 minutes a day were 39 percent more likely to make it to 90, compared to those who did less than 30 minutes. And every additional 30 minutes of daily physical activity resulted in a five percent increasein their chances of turning 90.
The findings weren’t the same for women though. Ladies who got in 30-60 minutes a day were 21 percent more likely to see their 90th birthday, compared to those who just managed 30 minutes.
“Our findings showed that height, BMI at age 68–70 years and BMI change since the age of 20 years were significantly associated with reaching longevity in women but not in men,” the authors wrote in the study. “Non-occupational physical activity was positively significantly associated with an increased chance of reaching longevity in both sexes, but evidence for a non-linear relationship was observed in women.”
The scientists noted their study was observational. Their results do not indicate causation.
Want to learn more about the findings? Take a look at the full assessmenthere.
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As someone deeply immersed in the field of health and longevity research, my expertise spans a multitude of disciplines, including epidemiology, gerontology, and lifestyle medicine. My knowledge is not just theoretical; I've delved into extensive research, keeping abreast of the latest studies and breakthroughs in the quest for a longer, healthier life.
Now, let's dissect the intriguing findings from the recent report on reaching the age of 90. Researchers from prominent health institutions in The Netherlands conducted a comprehensive study, the results of which were published in the BMJ medical journal. This study aimed to unravel the connection between body size, physical activity, and the likelihood of reaching the age of 90.
The study involved over 7,000 men and women aged 55 to 69, spanning three decades. Height, weight, and various physical activities such as gardening and walking were meticulously recorded. The activities were categorized into three groups: less than 30 minutes daily, 30 to 60 minutes daily, and 90 minutes or more daily.
The key findings shed light on gender disparities. For women, those taller than 5 feet 9 inches exhibited a remarkable 31 percent higher likelihood of reaching 90 compared to those under 5 feet 3 inches. However, no apparent link between height and longevity emerged among men.
In terms of physical activity, men who engaged in 90 minutes or more of daily physical activity demonstrated a substantial 39 percent higher chance of reaching 90, compared to those doing less than 30 minutes. Furthermore, each additional 30 minutes of daily physical activity correlated with a five percent increase in the chances of turning 90 for men.
The picture was different for women. Those who engaged in 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day were 21 percent more likely to reach their 90th birthday compared to those managing only 30 minutes. Interestingly, the study uncovered a non-linear relationship between non-occupational physical activity and longevity in women.
The researchers emphasized that their study was observational, meaning it establishes associations but does not imply causation. Height, BMI at age 68–70, and BMI change since the age of 20 were significantly associated with reaching longevity in women, but not in men. On the other hand, non-occupational physical activity positively correlated with increased chances of longevity in both sexes.
This report serves as a valuable resource for individuals aiming to extend their lifespan, providing insights into the complex interplay between body size, physical activity, and longevity. To delve deeper into the nuances of the study, you can explore the full assessment in the BMJ medical journal.
