Healthy ageing depends more on lifestyle than genetics: Expert

Living a long life is important, but experts now say that living a healthy life matters even more. According to researchers and longevity specialists, ageing is influenced more by daily habits than by DNA alone. Simple lifestyle choices can help people stay active, strong and healthy for a longer time.

Studies by the National Institute on Aging suggest that regular exercise, healthy eating and staying mentally active can slow down the ageing process. Experts say the body responds better to consistent healthy habits rather than extreme fitness routines or expensive anti-ageing treatments.

Today, many people are living longer but are also facing health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, weakness and memory issues at an earlier age. Because of this, doctors are now focusing more on “healthspan,” which means the number of years a person stays healthy and independent.

According to a longevity report published by Business Insider, leading longevity physician Dr Florence Comite says that ageing begins at the cellular level much earlier than most people realise, often in a person’s thirties. She believes that small daily lifestyle changes can improve sleep, metabolism and overall long-term health.

According to Dr Comite, habits such as sleeping on time, eating healthy food, reducing stress and staying physically active can influence how the body ages. She also advises avoiding late-night eating because it can affect sleep quality and the body’s natural repair process.

She further recommends limiting alcohol intake and maintaining a balance of strength training, cardio and high-intensity workouts to keep muscles and metabolism healthy.