How is it that the United States spends more on healthcare than any other nation, yet still ranks among the lowest in life expectancy for developed countries? Specifically, Americans spend about $9,400 per person, have an average life expectancy of 79 years, and rank 31st globally.

Perhaps those of us working in healthcare have been viewing the problem from the wrong angle for far too long.

Healthy Lifestyle and Longevity

Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health conducted a large-scale study examining how lifestyle habits affect life expectancy. They used data from the well-known Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), which track thousands of participants over decades. The NHS included over 78,000 women, followed from 1980 to 2014, while the HPFS tracked more than 40,000 men from 1986 to 2014. Altogether, the study analyzed data from more than 120,000 individuals, covering 34 years for women and 28 years for men.

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Harvard Health Publishing’s 6-Week Healthy Eating Plan
This step-by-step, week-by-week program—The Harvard Medical School 6-Week Plan for Healthy Eating—helps you transform your eating habits into sustainable, nutritious routines. Using the latest findings from nutrition science, Harvard experts guide you in creating a plan that supports heart health, longevity, energy, and overall vitality, all with meals that are both healthy and enjoyable.

The researchers analyzed NHS and HPFS data on participants’ diet, exercise habits, body weight, smoking, and alcohol use, all of which were collected through regularly administered and validated questionnaires.

What Constitutes a Healthy Lifestyle?

These five factors were selected because previous research has shown they strongly influence the risk of premature death. Here’s how each healthy habit was defined and measured:

1. Nutritious diet – Assessed based on the reported consumption of beneficial foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as limiting unhealthy items like red and processed meats, sugary drinks, trans fats, and excessive sodium.
2. Regular physical activity – Defined as engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day.
3. Healthy body weight – Measured using a body mass index (BMI) in the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9.
4. Non-smoking – Since no level of smoking is safe, “healthy” in this context meant never having smoked.
5. Moderate alcohol consumption – Defined as 5–15 grams per day for women and 5–30 grams per day for men. To put this in perspective, one standard drink contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol: 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.

The study also considered participants’ age, ethnicity, and medication use, and incorporated comparison data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and the CDC’s Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER).

The evidence shows that it absolutely does. According to this analysis, individuals who followed all five healthy habits lived noticeably longer than those who followed none—about 14 extra years for women and 12 for men, if these habits were maintained at age 50. People who practiced none of these habits were much more likely to die prematurely from heart disease or c

The researchers also examined life expectancy based on the number of healthy habits a person maintained. Even adopting just one healthy habit—any one—added around two years to life expectancy for both men and women. Unsurprisingly, the more healthy habits people had, the longer they tended to live. The study included compelling graphs showing this relationship (Graph B on page 7 of the article, titled “Estimated life expectancy at age 50 according to the number of low-risk factors”).

These findings are significant and align with previous studies. For example, a 2017 study using data from the Health and Retirement Study found that adults over 50 who maintained a normal weight, never smoked, and drank alcohol in moderation lived about seven years longer on average. Similarly, a 2012 meta-analysis of 15 international studies with over 500,000 participants showed that more than half of premature deaths were linked to unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, excessive alcohol use, and smoking. And the supporting research doesn’t stop there.

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So, What’s the Major Issue?

As the study authors highlight, the U.S. tends to spend enormous sums on advanced medications and treatments rather than investing in disease prevention—a serious problem.

Experts suggest that the most effective way to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle habits is through large-scale, population-level initiatives, such as public health campaigns and policy interventions. Think of measures like motorcycle helmet laws or seatbelt requirements. Some progress has been made, for instance, with regulations around tobacco and trans fats.

Of course, these efforts often face resistance from large industries. Policies that promote healthier living could reduce sales of fast food, chips, and sugary drinks. For companies driven primarily by profit rather than public health, these measures are seen as a major threat.

A Beautiful Mess is one of the most inventive home and lifestyle blogs out there. It highlights handmade projects, a variety of recipes, and creative home decor ideas, along with engaging personal stories. The blog’s approachable tone and strong focus on creativity make it a standout among lifestyle websites for millennial women. Its visually appealing design sets a high standard for lifestyle site aesthetics. For anyone interested in arts and crafts, home makeovers, or DIY projects, this blog is a must-follow.

Love and Lemons is technically a food blog, but its focus on fresh, whole ingredients and gorgeous presentation elevates it into a top healthy lifestyle website. Recipes are primarily plant-based and seasonal, making it a go-to source for readers wanting to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The platform is visually stunning and widely appreciated by home cooks and wellness enthusiasts alike. It also inspires those exploring lifestyle blogs beyond fashion and home decor, especially in areas like mindful living and food journaling. Its pure and imaginative approach consistently lands it on top recommendations for health-conscious readers.

A Cup of Jo has earned a beloved spot among the leading lifestyle blogs, particularly for women and families. The blog delivers a thoughtful mix of essays, relationship guidance, fashion tips, parenting stories, and travel inspiration, all in a warm and personal voice. Founded by Joanna Goddard, it has grown into one of the most influential lifestyle blogs, attracting a loyal global readership. For anyone seeking top lifestyle websites, A Cup of Jo is an essential follow.

The Skinny Confidential combines practical health tips, beauty advice, relationship insights, and personal growth strategies, making it one of the most popular lifestyle blogs for women. Its bold, energetic style and strong personal branding have made it especially well-known among millennial female readers. The founder demonstrates how a lifestyle blog can become a vibrant multimedia platform—whether sharing beauty routines on video or offering candid personal conversations. This blog exemplifies authenticity and covers all the elements of a successful lifestyle brand.

Goop blends editorial content with a luxury goods business, giving a fresh perspective to lifestyle brand websites. Founded by Gwyneth Paltrow, this portal is both highly influential and often debated. It focuses on wellness, alternative health, and premium products, making it a go-to destination for those aiming for a sophisticated and health-conscious lifestyle. Whether you agree with its approach or not, Goop remains a must-read lifestyle website for female millennials in 2025. It has consistently pushed boundaries and is frequently cited as a model for modern lifestyle brand websites because it seamlessly merges content and commerce.

Hello Glow centers on embracing an organic lifestyle—whether through DIY skincare or adopting gentle wellness routines. It ranks among the top healthy living blogs, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. This site is ideal for beginners and creators who want to document their wellness journey while prioritizing physical and mental health. Its clean design and valuable content have earned it a spot as one of the top lifestyle websites in 2025. For those interested in sustainable beauty, mindful living, or non-toxic products, Hello Glow is an excellent resource for women exploring both wellness and beauty.

How to Pick the Right Lifestyle Website for You
Now that we’ve highlighted 10 lifestyle websites with exceptional design and diverse content categories, you might wonder which blogs are the best fit for you. Here’s how to narrow your choices:

• Identify your interests: Are you drawn to fitness, fashion, wellness, or professional development? Focus on lifestyle blogs that cover topics you genuinely care about.
• Look for authenticity: Successful lifestyle blogs feel genuine and relatable, not overly staged or polished.
• Consider your life stage: For example, blogs geared toward millennials may align more closely with your lifestyle and mindset.
• Check content frequency: Blogs that post regularly attract more readers and stay current with trends, so choose sites with consistent updates.
• Explore categories: From wellness and beauty to lifestyle news and personal growth, pick blogs that suit your daily interests and needs.

By discovering a few high-quality lifestyle sites that resonate with you, your daily browsing becomes more enjoyable, engaging, and meaningful.