Scientists discover formula to predict how long you will live beyond 70
Will you use a tool to tell you how long you will live?
Scientists at Duke Health developed a new way to predict the lifespan of an adult that does not focus on specific symptoms of disease. It focuses instead on factors such as the amount of small cholesterol particles present in the bloodstream, the ability of the person to shop for food and whether or not they smoke regularly.
This study was designed to provide a realistic method of estimating the life expectancy for people over 70. Dr. Virginia Byers Kraus explained that the original goal of the study was to determine the factors that would indicate how long a person will live. These metrics, when used correctly can be helpful in estimating the relative costs and importance of different treatment and diagnostic options.
How the Discovery Was Made
In 1992, Duke University researchers received blood samples taken from people who were at least 71-years-old. Scientists at the National Institute of Health had the samples sitting around for some time and would have destroyed them if they hadn’t studied them first.
The subjects were tracked over a period of time, and they had filled out questionnaires about their medical and lifestyle history. Researchers were able to identify 17 predictors for longevity based on the answers they provided.
What are the key predictors of longevity?
Researchers concluded that people who can perform physically demanding activities, like grocery shopping or cleaning the house, have a longer life expectancy. Cancer and heart diseases were not significant predictors for longevity. People who had never smoked were the ones who were able to live for over ten years.
Scientists also discovered that many subjects who lived for at least 10 years longer were able to groom themselves. Inability to groom oneself was found to be a strong predictor of short life.
Researchers found that high levels of HDL particles are a good indicator of longevity. The amount of HDL particles in your body is inherited. To our knowledge, diet and medication cannot increase it.
Lifestyle improvements that promote longevity include activities that involve the use of your muscles and mind. The expected lifespan decreases as disability increases and increases as physical and mental activities increase.
