WASHINGTON – September 04, 2026 -- A new survey from U.S. News & World Report finds that health experts overwhelmingly favor basic lifestyle habits over trendy biohacks, supplements or wearable tech when it comes to healthy aging.
Physical activity and diet top the list of proven longevity factors
The second annual 2026 U.S. News Healthy Aging Survey polled 63 health experts -- including longevity researchers, dietitians, doctors and pharmacists -- from July through August 2026. Physical activity and a nutrient-dense diet each earned support from 89% of respondents as critical factors for healthy aging, followed by restorative sleep at 30%.
76% of experts warn GLP-1 drugs can accelerate muscle loss
Roughly three in four surveyed experts (76%) agreed that accelerated muscle loss poses a severe health threat for people using GLP-1 medications. Losing functional lean muscle alongside body fat can speed up physical frailty as patients age, according to the survey.
Social isolation ranks as the most underappreciated aging risk
Nearly 59% of experts identified social isolation as the top overlooked accelerator of biological aging, far outpacing sleep disruption (19%) and chronic micro-stress (18%). Experts noted that a lack of meaningful connection worsens sleep, compounds stress, and contributes to heart disease and dementia risk.
Women's health gaps center on menopause and heart disease
Experts flagged perimenopausal and menopausal muscle and bone loss (33%) and delayed cardiovascular risk recognition (32%) as the most unaddressed threats to women's long-term longevity.
Wearables and AI tools get mixed reviews from experts
Just 40% of experts said wearable health trackers offer tangible benefits, while 31% said none of the listed biohacking trends have proven value. On artificial intelligence, 24% pointed to AI coaching tools as having an immediate positive impact on behavior, but 21% said AI tools provide no tangible benefit to healthspan.
"U.S. News' 2026 survey data reflects a clear consensus among medical professionals that foundational, time-tested habits remain the bedrock of longevity," said Shanley Chien, senior editor of health at U.S. News.