**Salting Your Food Could Shorten Your Life, Study Warns Older Adults**

A simple habit at the dinner table is linked to worse health for people over 60, new research shows. The study found that adults who always add salt to their already-prepared meals have higher risks of early death. This group was 28% more likely to die prematurely than those who rarely or never added extra salt. Researchers say this common practice is a clear marker for an unhealthy lifestyle. People who frequently added salt consumed more red meat, processed foods, and sugary drinks. They ate fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This poor diet, combined with high sodium intake, is a major driver of high blood pressure and heart disease. The study suggests that simply reaching for the saltshaker is a strong warning sign of broader dietary problems. Doctors advise older adults to taste food first and use herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt. Reducing added sodium is a straightforward step toward better long-term health.