Healthy aging is a matter of minimizing risk factors

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Avoidance of certain risk factors in midlife contributes powerfully to healthy aging, according to Japanese-American male study.
Healthy living really does produce results according to a study of nearly 6,000 Japanese-American of average age 54 men followed for up to 40 years. Researchers in Honolulu have determined which risk factors need to be avoided to achieve healthy aging. For the purposes of this study, healthy aging is measured as 'exceptional survival' - which is survival to 85 without incidence of any of six major diseases - heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson's disease and diabetes.

In this group, eleven per cent achieved healthy aging. The factors contributing were high grip strength, and avoidance of of overweight, high blood pressure, smoking and excess drinking. High education and a good lipid profile were also important for healthy aging. Lack of a marital partner was linked to death before 85. The probability of exceptional survival was 55 per cent without any of these risk factors and only nine per cent with six or more risk factors. The findings represent real proof that physical strength and a prudent lifestyle in middle age can help towards a healthier old age.

Source
Journal of the American Medical Association 15th November 2006 Volume 296 pages 2343-2350

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.