At least 80% responsibility for ill health in old age down to individual, study says

The Oxford Longevity Project study aims to challenge notions that physical decline is inevitable and its recommendations include avoiding processed foods and abstaining entirely from alcohol. Photograph: MBI/Alamy

Individuals bear at least 80% of the responsibility for their ill health in old age, according to a report aimed at challenging the belief that physical decline is either inevitable or primarily the responsibility of the state.

The report, launched at the Smart Ageing Summit in Oxford last week, argues that individuals have far greater control over their longevity than is commonly understood. The authors call on the government to take legislative action on alcohol comparable to restrictions on smoking.