Live Long and Prosper

Recent research in the field of genetics challenges the long-held belief that our lifespan is largely determined by hereditary factors.

Instead, studies suggest that lifestyle choices and environmental factors play a significant role in determining how long we live.

According to the scientific journal Genetics, based on a 2018 study which analyzed more than 54 million family trees, heredity factors accounted only for 7% of people's lifespans.

What we physically inherit plays a much smaller role in our longevity than we have presumed. 

From those 54 million family trees, the researchers arrived at their finding by collecting the birth and death records for 406 million people, born from the 19th century to the mid 20th century as a result of the family tree analysis.

In another study, scientists examined the lifestyles of people who lived beyond age 100, and even those who lived past 110. What these super agers have in common is that they don't smoke, are not overweight or obese, and cope well with stress. Other factors such as education, profession, and income didn't seem to make much of a difference.

A third study published in Human Kinetics Journal found that among 5,446 women, age 63 or older, independent of other factors, those who had regular physical activity had a lower risk of mortality compared with those who had a more sedentary lifestyle. Said another way, if you want to live longer, exercise!

These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing health-promoting behaviors to enhance longevity and overall well-being. In essence, while genetics may play a role in our lifespan, our choices and behaviors ultimately shape our destiny.