Genetics and Longevity
About
A person's life span or longevity is largely determined by the combined effects of genetics and environmental factors. Genetic factors can contribute to the degree of longevity in at least two important ways: An individual may inherit certain genetic variations that predispose him or her to disease that decreases longevity; other gene variants may confer disease resistance, thereby increasing it.
Genetic Variations
The study of longevity genes is a developing science. It is estimated that about 25 percent of the variation in human life span is determined by genetics, but which genes, and how they contribute to longevity, are not well understood. A few of the common variations (called polymorphisms) associated with long life spans are found in the APOE, FOXO3, and CETP genes, but they are not found in all individuals with exceptional longevity. It is likely that variants in multiple genes, some of which are unidentified, act together to contribute to a long life. (Is longevity determined by genetics?: Medlineplus Genetics)
Family History
A family history of disease can increase the likelihood of individuals developing that disease, and life expectancy can be influenced to some extent by the age at which an individual’s parents died. Indeed, the genetic variability between individuals can affect lifespan by an estimated 25% and becomes increasingly more influential as we age. The fact that longer lifespans tend to run in families is observable but whether this is due to genetics, a similar shared lifestyle or a combination of both was once uncertain (To what extent is longevity determined by genetics? 2022).
References
-
To what extent is longevity determined by genetics? Longevity.Technology Lifestyle | Health, Fitness & Technology. (2022, April 5). Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/to-what-extent-is-longevity-determined-by-genetics/
-
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Is longevity determined by genetics?: Medlineplus Genetics. MedlinePlus. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/longevity/
-
Zeliadt, N. (2010, July 1). Live long and proper: Genetic factors associated with increased longevity identified. Scientific American. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/genetic-factors-associated-with-increased-longevity-identified/#:~:text=A%20person's%20life%20span%20is,of%20surviving%20to%20age%2085.