Recent research highlights the ongoing debate about what influences our lifespan most: genetics or lifestyle? A study led by British scientists analyzed data from hundreds of thousands of participants. They looked at genetic markers, medical histories, and lifestyle habits. Amazingly, they focused on nearly 50,000 individuals using proteomic profiling, a method that examines changes in proteins to estimate biological age, or how fast we are aging at the molecular level.
Age and sex were significant predictors of longevity, explaining about half of the variations observed. But what surprised researchers was the strong impact of environmental factors, showing that our habits and living conditions play a bigger role in health than our genes do.
The study found that the top contributors to biological aging and early death include:
- Smoking
- Socio-economic status
- Physical activity
- Living conditions
According to the data, environmental aspects primarily affect chronic illnesses like lung, heart, and liver diseases. Genetics, on the other hand, are more closely linked to risks for certain cancers and dementia.
Some findings were unexpected. For instance, taller height and greater weight at age 10 were associated with shorter lifespans, and children exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy or early childhood had increased health risks later in life.
Interestingly, while there was a weak link between diet and biological aging, previous studies suggested nutrition plays a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases. Yet, socio-economic factors like income and housing status showed a strong connection to diseases related to aging. Unfortunately, many of these factors are beyond an individual’s control.
Associate Professor Hassan Valli, one of the study’s authors, summarized their findings: “While we may inherit genetic risks, how we eat, move, and interact with the world matters more for health and longevity.” This emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices over genetic predispositions when it comes to living a longer, healthier life.
This research aligns with other studies suggesting that while genetics set the stage, our daily choices play the lead role in determining how healthy we remain as we age. For those looking toward a healthier future, understanding these factors can be the first step toward making better choices.
