Category: Longevity & Health

A systematic review and meta-analysis by Italian researchers, suggests that adherence to a Mediterranean diet can provide protection against major chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Twelve studies, involving nearly 1.6 million people followed for periods ranging from 3 to 18 years, were analysed. The results showed that people who adhered strictly to the Mediterranean diet enjoyed significant health benefits, including a 9% decrease in overall mortality, a 9% decrease in death from cardiovascular disease specifically, a 13% reduction in incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and a 6% reduction in cancer.

(Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Health Status: Meta-Analysis. BMJ September 2008.)

An American study has found that partners in happy marriages have lower blood pressure than single people. Blood pressure was monitored over a 24 hour period in 204 married and 99 single men and women. High marital quality was found to be associated with lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, less depression and higher satisfaction with life generally.

Single individuals however, had lower blood pressure than those in unhappy marriages. Having a supportive network of friends did not appear to moderate the effects of being single or unhappily married.

(Is There Something Unique About Marriage? The Relative Impact of Marital Status, Relationship Quality, and Network Social Support on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Mental Health. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, April 2008.)

A study assessing the link between fitness and mortality, has been completed by the US Veterans Affairs Medical Centre in Washington. Nearly 16 ooo men, the largest number ever known in such a trial, were given a standard treadmill test to assess exercise capacity. Testing was conducted between May 1983 and December 2006, and participants were then followed for an average of 7.5 years and death rates were recorded.

The study found that “highly fit” men had only half the risk of death compared to “low fitness” men. Those who achieved “very highly fit” status, had a 70% lower risk compared to the “low fit” category. The authors say the risk of death is halved, simply by taking a brisk 30 minute walk, 5 to 6 days per week.

(Exercise Capacity & Mortality in Black and White Men. Journal of Circulation, 22 January 2008.)

Dutch researchers have found that the most optimistic participants among a group of 545 men, aged 64 to 84, were 50% less likely to die from cardiovascular causes during a 15 year study.

The men were assessed for their level of optimism every five years from 1985 to 2000, with statements such as “I do not look forward to what lies ahead for me in years to come” or “I am still full of plans.” Higher optimism scores were linked to being younger, being better educated, living with others, having better health, and being more physically active.

(Dispositional Optimism and the Risk of Cardiovascular Death: The Zutphen Elderly Study. Achives of Internal Medicine 2006.)

A study in Sweden looking at a sample of the population, has concluded that exercise reduces the chance of fracture due to osteoporosis in men.

2205 men, aged 49 to 51, were followed over a 35 year period. Physical activity and other lifestyle habits were recorded at baseline, and at intervals thereafter. Over the 35 years, 428 of the men had at least one fracture, but there were significant differences according to activity levels:
20% of the sedentary men had fractures,
13% of medium activity men (some walking and cycling) had fractures, and
8% of high activity men (sport for at least 3 hours a week) had fractures.

The researchers calculate that one third of fractures could be prevented if men took part in sports more regularly.

(Leisure Physical Activity and the Risk of Fracture in Men. PLoS Medicine, 19 June 2007.)