Scientific research has long pointed out the detrimental effects of smoking, drinking excessively, and lack of exercise on health. A recent study conducted in Finland reveals that these unhealthy habits can start to take their toll from a young age. Researchers tracked the health of individuals from 1959, monitoring their physical and mental health from the age of 27 through to 61. Published in the Annals of Medicine, the study found that the impacts of smoking, drinking, and inactivity were observable as early as 36, with risks for heart disease and depression becoming more pronounced with long-term bad habits.
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While smoking and excessive drinking are widely recognised as harmful, the study also highlighted the importance of physical activity. The research defined a lack of exercise as engaging in physical activity less than once a week. Heavy drinking was categorised as consuming more than 875 units of alcohol per year for women and 1,250 units for men. In the UK, statistics show that millions of people engage in these unhealthy behaviours, with over six million smokers and 24% of adults drinking more than the recommended amount. Despite these statistics, experts stress that it is never too late to adopt healthier habits, regardless of age.
Dr. Tiia Kekäläinen, the lead author of the study, emphasised the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Dr. Kekäläinen reassured the public that while it is beneficial to adopt healthier behaviours early in life, it is never too late to start. Even making small changes in midlife can result in significant benefits for both physical and mental health, helping to improve the quality of life as we age.
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Experts like Professor Kamila Hawthorne and Dr. Rachel Ward advocate for making positive changes, encouraging people to reduce smoking, cut down on alcohol, and increase physical activity. Whether it’s taking regular walks, cutting back on alcohol, or quitting smoking, small steps can have a big impact. The NHS recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week and highlights various free resources like the NHS Couch to 5K app and parkrun to support individuals in their efforts to lead healthier, more active lives.
