A new study from the Weizmann Institute of Science suggests that genetics and longevity may be more closely linked than previously thought. Research led by Uri Alon shows that genes could be responsible for almost half of the human lifespan, instead of the generally accepted 20%.
The findings, published in Science, reanalyze older data using modern models to better understand human lifespan.
Human lifespan may be 50% genetically determined, not 20%
The research shows that genetic factors determine human lifespan more than lifestyle choices. The study examined Scandinavian twins who lived at the end of the 19th century, as this period showed high mortality rates due to various infectious diseases and accidents and substandard living conditions.
Alon and his research team applied mathematical models to their analysis of existing data to eliminate all deaths due to extrinsic factors. The research found that external elements had hidden the true impact of genetic factors on lifespan, resulting in an underestimation of genetic heritability.
The researchers examined twin records from Sweden who were born between 1900 and 1935, along with the records of people who lived over 100 years. The study found that genetic factors became essential in determining longevity after researchers eliminated all deaths not related to aging.
In particular, recent reports show that human lifespan extension is more dependent on hereditary traits than previous scientific research has shown.
The research results will change the methods scientists use to study aging and disease. Future studies will shift their focus to genetic pathways and personalized medicine as researchers discover that genes have a greater impact on diseases than they currently understand.
The experts believe that better genetic understanding, combined with an accurate assessment of lifespan, will enable better predictions of health risks and improve outcomes for older people.
