New research suggests adopting 8 simple healthy lifestyle habits may reduce your so-called "biological age" by up to 5 years. Biological age refers to your body's rate of aging beyond your chronological age in years.
The habits come from the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 checklist for ideal cardiovascular health. They include eating nutritious whole foods, regular exercise, adequate sleep, maintaining normal weight and cholesterol levels, avoiding tobacco, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar.
The analysis of over 6,500 adults found those who followed more of the habits had slower biological aging. This effect could lower risks of cardiovascular and other age-related diseases.
While genetics and environment play a role, lifestyle choices have a major impact on biological age and longevity. Starting these habits at any point can slow aging, as bodies adapt over time.
Experts advise combining balanced nutrition, activity you enjoy, and managing weight and vitals. Monitoring numbers like cholesterol and blood pressure is also key.
Simple steps like taking the stairs, parking farther away, limiting alcohol and reducing stress help too. Following as much of the checklist as you can, for as long as you can, may maximize longevity by minimizing your biological age.