U.S. researchers have learned that the lifespan of older people does not depend on whether they have chronic diseases, but on simple factors such as their ability to go to the grocery store, clean the house, small cholesterol in the blood, and their previous bad habits.
Scientists reveal that factors determine the lifespan of the elderly
Duke University and the University of Minnesota studied longitudinal research data that began in the 1980s. There were 1,507 elderly people involved, and each of them was taken with blood samples. During the study period, volunteers were at least 71 years old.
It is worth noting that blood samples are special: they are collected some time before widely used drugs, such as misleading static drugs. In addition, participants have been observed for several years, filling out health and habit questionnaires.
Therefore, taking advantage of past research, scientists were able to apply modern and complex analytical tools to their data. The result is that some variables that have an impact on life expectancy were identified. Experts have published their findings on EBioMedicine.
The main factor related to longevity is human physiological functions. Among older adults, she demonstrates the ability to go to the grocery store or do housework. However, cancer and heart disease are not the main inferences to longevity.
Scientists also learned that cholesterol in the blood plays an important role in longevity, not just high-density lipids, but also a large number of small particles: the higher the content of these substances, the greater the chance of longevity. Studies have shown that the size of these particles is related to the release of bacterial toxic molecules that cause inflammation, i.e., endotoxins.
One factor in long-term life is that there were no harmful habits in the past, namely smoking. Scientists believe their findings will help doctors assign risk factors to older people in a timely manner and help adjust their lifespan.
