The keys to longevity, disease prevention, and improved health in older age were shared at an event in Oxford on Saturday.
People from across the globe met at the third The Smart Ageing Summit on June 29.
Leslie Kenny, CEO of Oxford Healthspan and co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project, in partnership with Roundglass, a foundation dedicated to transforming global wellbeing through holistic approaches, launched the world's first global study into longevity.
Ms Kenny said: "Understanding longevity is crucial for improving our quality of life as we age.
"This study highlights the importance of focusing on preventative measures and holistic wellbeing to not only extend our lifespan but also enhance our health span."
It collected information from 14,000 adults in 25 countries, uncovering key longevity goals.
It showed Brits place a significant emphasis on getting a good night's sleep, prioritising it over nearly everything else, including sex.
Of Britons aged 54 and under, 34.1 per cent prioritise sleep, and 35.4 per cent prioritise mental health, with only 15.5 per cent focusing on sex.
This puts the UK just behind Japan in placing sex at the bottom of the priority list for health and longevity.
Furthermore, 27 per cent of Britons are not pleased with their sex lives, while 15 per cent say they have no sex life.
Denis Noble, co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project and emeritus professor of cardiovascular physiology at Oxford University, said: "Good sex increases levels of mood-improving molecule oxytocin proven to be vital to a healthy, long life so it is disappointing to see sexual intimacy is not a priority in people’s lives."
The study also highlighted the growing issues of mental health and loneliness in the UK, both posing challenges to longevity.
One in five individuals state poor mental health as a hindrance to a longer, healthier life, a figure that increases to one in three among those under 55.
Meanwhile, more than three quarters acknowledge the importance of mental health in maintaining a good quality of life, but 56 per cent showed no interest in counselling services.
Loneliness emerges as a top concern, with 84 per cent of respondents under 55 fearing it as they age.
Sunny Gurpreet Singh, founder of Roundglass, said: "Now more than ever, we stand at a pivotal moment in our history, equipped with the science and knowledge to live both well and long.
"In our post-pandemic world, the emphasis on personal health and self-care has never been greater.
"We are all seeking answers and solutions, and I am dedicated to making this vital information accessible to everyone."
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