(How Can One Shorten Their Lifespan by 20 Years?)

Do you know that certain habits could potentially take years off your life expectancy? While the effects of excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise are well-known, there are several other surprising behaviors that might impact your lifespan negatively. This article delves into habits that may surprisingly shorten your life by 20 years or more.

Habits That Could Shorten Your Lifespan

Too Much or Too Little Sleep

Sleep is crucial, but both insufficient and excessive sleep can have detrimental effects. Research indicates that people who average less than five or more than nine hours of sleep per night may find their lifespan shortened significantly. A good night’s sleep of around seven to eight hours is recommended for optimal health.

Sitting Too Much

Modern sedentary lifestyles, encouraged by devices like smartwatches that promote movement, are linked to a lower lifespan. Studies have shown that prolonged sitting is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality. Even frequent exercisers who sit for over three hours a day could lose up to two years of their life expectancy.

Not Socializing Enough

A lack of social interaction contributes to a diminished life span. Loneliness has been identified as a significant threat to survival, directly impairing the immune system and making individuals more susceptible to diseases. Studies show that social isolation can lead to shorter life expectancies, both for young and older individuals.

Worrying Too Much

Occasional worry is normal, but persistent anxiety over uncontrollable events, such as the fear of death, can negatively impact life span. Research suggests that individuals who constantly remind themselves of death tend to have shorter life expectancies. Mental health is closely linked to life expectancy, and poor mental health can impact life insurance applications.

Not Flossing Your Teeth

Skipping dental hygiene can have significant repercussions. Gum disease, often linked to not flossing, can lead to more severe illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney failure. One study found that individuals who never flossed had up to a 30% higher mortality risk compared to those who flossed daily.

Not Reading Books

To avoid excessive television time, consider picking up a book. A study by the National Library of Medicine found that book readers had a survival advantage of 23 months compared to non-book readers and those who only read newspapers or magazines.

Long Commutes

A daily commute can be tiresome and stressful, but research suggests it could also shorten your life expectancy. A paper by Erika Sandow from the Department of Social and Economic Geography in Sweden found that women with longer commutes faced significantly higher mortality rates compared to those with shorter commutes. The study found no such correlation with men; however, the specific focus on men might limit the generalization of these results.

Being Pessimistic

A pessimistic outlook can be detrimental. A study published in PNAS found that optimists are 11-15% more likely to live longer on average and have a higher chance of exceptional longevity, defined as living to 85 or older.

Conclusion

By understanding and addressing these habits, you can potentially extend your life expectancy by making healthier choices. Whether it's improving your sleep routine, reducing sitting time, engaging in more social activities, or adopting a more optimistic attitude, these small changes can collectively make a significant impact on your longevity.