Habits Developed In Childhood Can Lead To Longer Lives: Study

INLAND EMPIRE, CA -- A study published this week conducted by Inland Empire researchers found healthy habits developed during childhood could ultimately lead to living longer lives. The study, conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University, was published in The Permanente Journal and looked at seniors to determine their exposure to childhood experiences.

“It has been well-documented childhood trauma and hardships are linked to chronic disease and shorter lifespans,” said Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, associate professor, Center for Community Resilience at Loma Linda University School of Public Health.

The study, "Adverse Childhood Experiences Among a Community of Resilient Centenarians and Seniors: Implications For a Chronic Disease Prevention Framework,” looked at the early-life experiences and lifestyle practices of 36 seniors and centenarians.

Findings of this study show that the optimal health of the study participants is attributed to eight habits established in childhood and maintained across the life span that helped reduce inflammation. The eight habits include:

• Family and friends' camaraderie, including strong and long-lasting social bonds with family members and friends.
• Kinetic life such as outdoor lifestyle immersed in daily physical activity
• Spiritual practices, described as involvement in family worship activities and community participation through regular church/temple attendance and involvement in church ministries
• Consumption of simple foods with home-grown foods, including abundance of vegetables and fruits, and limited meat
• Engaging in nature, especially those from rural villages or farming backgrounds who engaged in nature as a way to earn a living
• Sleeping for at least 8 hours of sleep each day
• A belief that their actions would result in positive outcomes in their life
• A performance of regular charitable acts and altruism

Among all study participants, the most reported adversities experienced during childhood included low household income, family separation and food deprivation – mainly during World War II and the Great Depression. Nearly all participants experienced profound economic disadvantage that hindered food security, access to education, and health care, and increased their odds of losing close family members.

“These findings provide a solid foundation for early-life health promotion to help alleviate the burden of chronic disease and enable a collaborative movement toward a more resilient country of wellness and longevity,” Spencer-Hwang said.

--Photo courtesy of Loma Linda University