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In very few studies have researchers examined the association between modifiable risk factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption, and weight) and longevity in elders. Swedish investigators identified and examined these associations in a prospective, population-based, cohort study of more than 1800 older people (age, ≥75) who were followed for 18 years; half the participants lived beyond age 90.
In age-adjusted analyses, the median age at death was 1.1 years higher for normal-weight versus underweight participants; 1.3 years higher for never smokers versus current smokers; 1.3 years higher for alcohol drinkers versus never drinkers; 1.6 years higher for participants with rich social networks versus those with limited or poor networks; and 1.…