The five diseases most commonly associated with reduced longevity are:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Here’s why each matters.
1. Heart disease
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. It includes:
- Heart attacks
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Some rhythm disorders
Risk factors
- High blood pressure
- High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes
- Poor diet
How to reduce risk
- Exercise at least 150 minutes per week.
- Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Avoid smoking.
2. Cancer
There are many types of cancer, but common ones include:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Prostate cancer
About 30–50% of cancers may be preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and appropriate screening.
Ways to lower risk
- Don’t smoke.
- Limit alcohol.
- Stay physically active.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Follow recommended screening programs.
3. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes damages blood vessels and increases the risk of:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Blindness
- Nerve damage
Warning signs
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit sugary drinks and highly processed foods.
- Eat more fiber-rich foods.
- Get regular blood sugar checks if you’re at higher risk.
4. Chronic kidney disease
The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. Kidney disease often develops gradually and may not cause symptoms early on.
Common causes
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Long-term use of certain pain medications
- Some inherited conditions
Protection
- Keep blood pressure under control.
- Manage blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid unnecessary long-term use of medications that can harm the kidneys unless prescribed.
- Have kidney function checked if you have risk factors.
5. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It causes progressive damage to the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult.
Main cause
- Cigarette smoking
Other causes include:
- Air pollution
- Occupational dust and chemicals
- Biomass smoke exposure
Symptoms
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Frequent chest infections
Prevention
- Don’t smoke.
- Avoid secondhand smoke.
- Reduce exposure to polluted air and occupational dust when possible.
- Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations.
Why age 60 matters
Large, long-term studies have found that people who reach age 60 without major chronic illnesses tend to:
- Live significantly longer than those who already have one or more of these conditions.
- Spend more years living independently.
- Have a lower risk of disability.
- Maintain better physical and cognitive function as they age.
The absence of these diseases at 60 often reflects a combination of genetics, healthy habits, access to healthcare, and favorable environmental factors.
Other factors linked with living to 100
People who become centenarians often have several habits or characteristics in common:
- Regular physical activity
- Healthy body weight
- Not smoking
- Moderate or no alcohol consumption
- Good sleep
- Strong social relationships
- Effective stress management
- Normal blood pressure
- Healthy cholesterol levels
- Good cognitive health
- Regular preventive healthcare
Important note
Even if someone develops one of these diseases before age 60, they can still live a long life. Advances in treatment mean many people with conditions such as heart disease or diabetes live well into their 80s and 90s when the disease is well managed. Longevity depends on many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, medical care, and chance, rather than any single milestone.