General lifestyle pattern rather than individual factors may contribute to reduce the chronic disease risk and mortality. In this study of an older Spanish population, a higher adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle - which included dietary habits, physical activity, rest, social habits and conviviality – was related to a 41% lower risk of dying from any disease compared to a lower adherence. The authors summarized their results suggesting the traditional Mediterranean way of living reduces the risk of mortality (thus, increases longevity) and may serve as a guide toward health and longevity across the world.
Hershey MS et al, 2020, The association between the Mediterranean lifestyle Index and all-cause mortality in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra Cohort, Am J Prev Med 59(6):e239-e248, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2020.06.014