“Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviours as early as possible to prevent damage from building up over the years,” said Dr Tiia Kekäläinen of Laurea University in Finland.
A new study has revealed that unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, and lack of exercise begin to significantly affect health from the age of 36. Researchers who tracked people born in 1959 up to age 61 found that those with long-term unhealthy habits experienced higher rates of physical illness and depression starting at that age.
“Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviours as early as possible to prevent damage from building up over the years,” said Dr Tiia Kekäläinen of Laurea University in Finland.
The study, published in Annals of Medicine, showed smoking was strongly linked to mental health issues, while lack of exercise affected physical health. Alcohol misuse impacted both.
Though the findings are specific to older generations, researchers noted younger people may face similar risks from modern habits like vaping. They stressed the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles early, though even midlife changes can offer significant benefits.