By Priyanjana Pramanik, MSc.Oct 10 2023Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc. In an editorial for a special issue of the journal Nutrients, researchers Eduardo J. Simoes and Luiz R. Ramos discussed diet, lifestyle, and other factors that may be the secret to a longer, healthier life.
In this study, the authors reviewed the trends in factors affecting life expectancy and explored the lifestyle choices that may enable some people to live long past 100. Decline in infectious diseases An important factor is the fall in morbidity and mortality attributed to infectious diseases such as typhoid and cholera, particularly in infants and children. Access to sanitation and clean water reduced the spread of pathogens, while mass vaccination campaigns have prevented diseases such as polio or smallpox.
Related StoriesUnfortunately, many of the risk factors for non-infectious and chronic illness were environmental. People were also exposed to higher levels of environmental pollution, such as from automobiles. Deaths and injuries from car accidents also rose, and many died due to gun violence, murder, and drug overdose as well.
The role of diet has been studied in detail in many populations, such as people of Chinese, Japanese, and Mediterranean descent. A 60-year study of Okinawan people over 65 found that restricting calories was associated with a longer life and healthier aging in the long term. Healthy diets reduce the risk of some cancers, diabetes, and heart disease.
Conclusion As people age, they become affected by various chronic conditions, whether it is cataracts or heart issues. However, centenarians appear healthier, even at their advanced ages, than younger octogenarians and nonagenarians.