New research from British scientists reveals that our environment and lifestyle play a far more significant role in how long we live than our genes do. Surprisingly, genetics only accounts for about 2% of longevity. The study analyzed medical data from hundreds of thousands of people, using advanced techniques to assess biological age versus chronological age.
Biological age offers a clearer picture of how quickly our bodies age at a molecular level. This research examined over 164 factors, including lifestyle choices, social influences, and childhood experiences, alongside genetic markers related to specific diseases.
The findings were eye-opening: environmental factors explain about 17% of the differences in lifespan, while age and gender contribute to around half of the variations. This emphasizes that how we live significantly impacts our health and longevity. Interestingly, environmental influences were most pronounced in cases of lung, heart, and liver diseases. In contrast, genetics mattered more for certain cancers and dementia.
The most impactful lifestyle factors linked to premature death include:
- Smoking
- Socioeconomic status
- Physical activity
- Living conditions
Aside from these, researchers discovered some unexpected trends. For example, children who were taller or heavier at age ten tended to have shorter lifespans. Moreover, maternal smoking during pregnancy had negative effects on the child’s future health.
Hassan Valli, an associate professor at Deakin University, shared insights on the findings, noting that this research sparks hope. “Longevity largely depends on the choices we make,” he said, emphasizing that while good genes can help, making healthier lifestyle choices is crucial.
One surprising conclusion was the minimal impact of diet on biological aging markers, challenging previous assumptions about the role of nutrition in chronic diseases. Instead, social factors like income, housing, and job status were more closely related to aging-related illnesses, even though many of these factors are beyond our control. Valli wrapped up by stating, “While we may inherit some risks, our lifestyle choices greatly influence our health and longevity.”
As public interest grows in the link between lifestyle and longevity, it’s evident that individual choices can be a powerful tool in promoting a longer, healthier life. Understanding these influences can help empower people to adopt practices that support not just a longer life, but one that’s filled with vitality.
For further insights on longevity and health, consider exploring the National Institute on Aging’s website, which discusses various research findings in this area.
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Source linkscience, scientist
