Turns Out Shopping May Help You Live Longer
By Mark J Kaylor
Turns out the shopping that may add years to your life comes with a grocery list.
A Taiwanese research team followed about 1,800 adults over 65 for nearly a decade. Those who shopped every day had a 27% lower risk of death than those who rarely shopped, even after accounting for their physical and mental health. Men seemed to benefit a little more.
The same team then followed the groceries home to the stove. Elders who cooked more than five times a week had a 41% lower risk of death than those who never cooked, and this time women benefited most. The researchers wondered whether part of the gift was purpose: cooking for someone you love.
These are observational studies, and healthier people may simply shop and cook more. Still, the team found each habit linked to longer life on its own, and a 2021 US study of 35,000 adults pointed the same way: eating two or more meals a day prepared away from home was linked to a 49% higher risk of death.
Look at what’s really in that basket: a walk, a few conversations, real food, and a reason to cook it.
Turns out a long life may start with a grocery list, and someone to cook for.
References
1. Daily Shopping and Survival in Older Adults
Supports: 27% lower risk of death among daily shoppers; men benefiting slightly more.
Chang YH, Chen RCY, Wahlqvist ML, Lee MS. Frequent shopping by men and women increases survival in the older Taiwanese population. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. 2012;66(7):e20.
https://jech.bmj.com/content/66/7/e20
2. Cooking Frequency and Survival in Older Adults
Supports: 41% lower risk of death with frequent cooking; women benefiting most; cooking for others.
Chen RCY, Lee MS, Chang YH, Wahlqvist ML. Cooking frequency may enhance survival in Taiwanese elderly. Public Health Nutrition. 2012;15(7):1142-1149. doi:10.1017/S136898001200136X
https://doi.org/10.1017/S136898001200136X
3. Eating Out and All-Cause Mortality in US Adults
Supports: 49% higher risk of death with two or more meals a day prepared away from home.
Du Y, Rong S, Sun Y, Liu B, Wu Y, Snetselaar LG, Wallace RB, Bao W. Association between frequency of eating away-from-home meals and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2021;121(9):1741-1749.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2021.01.012
Mark J. Kaylor is a passionate advocate for holistic health and natural remedies, with a focus on extending both lifespan and healthspan. As the founder of the Radiant Health Project and host of Radiant Health Podcast, Mark blends in-depth research with traditional wisdom to empower others on their journey to vibrant health. Through his writing and speaking, he shares insights into the transformative power of herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle practices.
The Radiant Health Project is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to cutting through wellness industry hype and sharing evidence-informed, traditional wisdom for genuine health.
Disclaimer: All information and results stated here is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information mentioned here is not specific medical advice for any individual and is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. This content should not substitute medical advice from a health professional. Always consult your health practitioner regarding any health or medical conditions.
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