A study by Li et al, published in The BMJ (the British Medical Journal), found that a healthy lifestyle at mid-life is associated with longer life expectancy, free of chronic diseases, including cancer.

The study looked at the effects of five low risk lifestyle factors: never smoking, body mass index 18.5-24.9, moderate to vigorous physical activity (≥30 minutes/day), moderate alcohol intake (women: 5-15 g/day; men 5-30 g/day), and a higher diet quality score (upper 40%).

From the study conclusion:  “Our findings suggest that promotion of a healthy lifestyle would help to reduce the healthcare burdens through lowering the risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, and extending disease-free life expectancy.”