Evidence-Based Pathways to Healthy Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Lifestyle Interventions for...

To evaluate the impact of multidimensional lifestyle interventions on aging outcomes, including cognitive function, physical health, emotional well-being, and longevity.

This systematic review included 35 randomized controlled trials from 2014 through 2024 using MeSH terms such as "healthy aging," "nutrition," "physical activity," "mental health," "social connections," and "preventive healthcare." Inclusion was made based on whether studies have explored at least one lifestyle intervention among populations of 50 years and above with a reported outcome related to health and aging.

35 RCTs (n ≈ 25 000 participants) were included. Key findings were: Nutrition: The Mediterranean diet, antioxidant-rich foods, and protein intake were associated with cardiovascular benefits (RR = 0.78), reduced cognitive decline (OR = 0.72), and improved muscle mass (SMD = 0.45). Physical Exercise: Aerobic and resistance exercises enhanced cardiovascular fitness (MD in VO2 max = 3.6 mL/kg/min) as well as risk of frailty (RR = 0.67); Mental Health: Cognitive stimulation and mindfulness interventions reduced the risk of dementia (OR = 0.75) as well as stress levels (Standard Mean Difference -SMD = -0.65); Network Social: Friendship support interventions with community involvement attenuated the susceptibility to depression, by 30% (RR = 0.70), with improved life overall satisfaction (SMD = 0.55); Safe Harm Avoidance: Smoking treatment reduced cardiovascular outcome risks (OR = 0.68), though moderate alcoholism was associated with better liver overall function (SMD = -0.38); Sleep: Insomnia was related to a 25% reduced risk of cognitive decline when kept at 7-8 hours (RR = 0.75), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia was highly effective in enhancing quality of sleep (SMD = 0.74); Preventive Healthcare: Routine checkup reduced the un-diagnosed chronic conditions by 40% (RR = 0.60) and the vaccination programs reduced the influenza-related hospital admissions (OR = 0.58).

Lifestyle interventions are significant in promoting life expectancy, cognitive performance, and overall well-being. The most comprehensive benefits of delay of age-related decline will be offered by the integration of multiple lifestyle factors, including balanced diets, regular exercise, cognitive engagement, strong social ties, and preventive healthcare.