The medical world is always searching for ways to extend lifespans, whilst maintaining good health in old age. But questions abound whether those already in midlife can do much to improve the odds of living healthier and longer.

More and more medical data seems to suggest it’s never too late to change the trajectory of your health, regardless of age. And the higher the levels of health you can attain, the longer your lifespan might be. 

Those around the age of 50, and currently not too healthy, will be encouraged by a recent multi-country analysis that gives them reason to change their ways. The study identified five risk factors at the age of 50 that can reduce life expectancy by more than 10 years.

The risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and smoking. All the risk factors are linked with cardiovascular disease, a major killer, among other conditions. Most of these risk factors are common denominators in the 50s. 

The good news is that mitigating the identified risk factors in the Middle Ages can make a significant difference. Quitting smoking is a no-brainer; those who currently smoke just need to stop.

Avoiding being overweight requires lifestyle changes, in what you eat, drink and how physically active you are. Cholesterol links strongly to dietary and other lifestyle habits, too. High blood pressure tends to be a silent condition that requires medical checks. Diabetes requires medical screening, too. 

The referenced study followed subjects for 47 years, starting at the age of 50. They demonstrated that mortality is not predetermined and that lifestyle changes, together with treatment of existing risk factors, can make a big difference.

The higher the number of risk factors that can be controlled, the higher the number of potential additional years of life. Two risk factors stood out: controlling blood pressure and quitting smoking were the most effective interventions. 

The emphasis cannot be stronger that focusing on disease prevention pays dividends in health and lifespan. Even though the study focused on the critical middle-age decade, the findings can easily be extrapolated to others.

You don’t have to be in the 50s to benefit from quitting smoking, or adjusting your lifestyle for the healthier. Chronic medical conditions linked to a host of risk factors can and do strike at all age groups, so you shouldn’t be living recklessly, waiting to get to 50, then magic happens.  

Dr Murage is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist