Party lifestyle takes its toll on health ‘from age 36’
How Smoking and Drinking Early in Life Affect Your Long-Term Health
New research has revealed that living a party lifestyle — marked by heavy drinking, smoking, and lack of exercise — can negatively impact your health as early as age 36.
Scientists at Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland followed 371 people born in 1959 to track the health impact of drinking and smoking over decades.
Early Habits Lead to Later Health Problems
The participants underwent health checks at ages 27, 36, 42, 50, and 61, with full medical exams starting from age 42.
Findings showed that:
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption in the twenties had little immediate effect.
- By the mid-thirties, the consequences of a party lifestyle began to show.
- Participants experienced higher rates of depression, cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.
- These issues persisted well into their forties, fifties, and sixties.
According to researchers, these results highlight the need to cut down on alcohol and quit smoking before reaching middle age.
Why Changing Habits Before 40 Matters
Writing in the journal Annals of Medicine, lead researcher Dr. Tiia Kekäläinen emphasized the critical role early lifestyle choices play in long-term health.
“Diseases like heart disease and cancer cause nearly three-quarters of deaths worldwide,” she said. “By following a healthy lifestyle after 30, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing serious illnesses and dying prematurely.”
Dr. Kekäläinen stressed the importance of addressing risky behaviors — smoking, heavy drinking, and inactivity — as early as possible. She added, “It’s never too late to switch to healthier habits. Even changes made in midlife can improve health outcomes in older age.”
Celebrity Influence: The Shift Toward Healthier Living
Public figures have also highlighted the benefits of lifestyle changes. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, 52, recently shared her experience of cutting down on alcohol after drinking heavily during the pandemic. Her openness shows that it’s possible to pivot toward better health at any stage of life.
Key Takeaways: How to Protect Your Health Early
If you’re approaching your thirties or forties, consider these tips to maintain your well-being:
- Quit smoking as soon as possible.
- Reduce alcohol consumption and practice moderation.
- Incorporate regular exercise into your weekly routine.
- Prioritize mental health with stress management techniques like mindfulness or therapy.
- Schedule regular health checkups to catch early signs of illness.
Adopting these habits can dramatically lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and depression later in life.
Final Thoughts
The health impact of smoking and drinking doesn’t wait until old age — it can start as early as your mid-thirties. Taking action now by adopting a healthy lifestyle after 30 could add years to your life and improve your quality of living.
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