Research shows that children of people who reach 100 years or older often also have a longer life expectancy. They appear to have a lower risk of diseases that are more common at an older age, such as cardiovascular disease or dementia. This suggests that there may be a link between longevity and the risk of age-related ailments.
Even so, heredity plays only a modest role in this. Scientists are increasingly discovering that our genes are not the most important factor in how long we live. Environmental factors and lifestyle, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, turn out to have a much greater influence on our lifespan and health in later life.
The increased prevalence of longevity within families may therefore also be related to the way in which centenarians' children were raised. Healthy habits and a supportive social network can ensure that they age more healthily. This underlines the importance of a healthy lifestyle for anyone who wants to stay longer and fitter.
For people who are interested in healthy ageing, it is reassuring that they themselves can do a lot to improve their quality of life. Although genetics play a role, it is mainly about how we live and look after our bodies in the long term.
Source: Reason
