2024/08/20 Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle Increases Life Expectancy and Reduces Healthcare Costs

A new study led by Dr. Wei-Cheng Lo from Taipei Medical University and published in the journal JMIR Public Health and Surveillance underscores the critical role of healthy lifestyle choices in extending life expectancy while reducing healthcare costs. This nationwide cohort study analyzed data from over 19,000 Taiwanese adults and revealed that consistent healthy behaviors not only promote longevity but also significantly cut lifetime healthcare expenditure.
 
This study found that adopting five key lifestyle habits—nonsmoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, regular physical activity, consuming sufficient fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy body weight—led to a notable 7.13-year increase in life expectancy. Participants who refrained from smoking lived 2.31 years longer, while those who avoided excessive alcohol consumption gained an additional 1.62 years. A healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, contributed to a 3.25-year life extension, while regular physical activity added 1.85 years. In addition to increased life expectancy, these behaviors resulted in a 28.12% reduction in healthcare costs per person.
 
The study highlighted that nonsmoking and maintaining a healthy weight were particularly effective in reducing lifetime healthcare costs. Smokers and individuals with non-optimal body weight faced not only shorter life spans but also higher healthcare expenses. However, the study also noted that overweight individuals, despite experiencing a modest increase in life expectancy, saw a 21% rise in annual medical expenses.
 
This research underscores the significant economic impact of promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors. The findings suggest that encouraging these habits can substantially reduce the economic burden on healthcare systems, with the most pronounced benefits seen from smoking cessation and a balanced diet. The study encourages further research to explore the impact of these behaviors on metrics such as quality-adjusted life years and disability-adjusted life years for a fuller understanding of their long-term effects.
 
While the study demonstrates the substantial benefits of a healthy lifestyle, it also acknowledges limitations. The research relied on self-reported data, which may affect accuracy, and did not account for lifestyle changes over time. This groundbreaking study highlights the importance of public health policies that promote healthy living, benefiting both individuals and the healthcare system across Taiwan.
 
https://publichealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e57045