How Much of Your Longevity Is Inherited?

"If you come from a long line of centenarians, does that mean that you can slack off on eating more vegetables and less red meat - or does the lifespan of one's ancestors not really factor in to your own life expectancy? Based on the results of a recently-published study, the answer is "a little of each" - but it also makes clear how significant a role genes can play in extending one's life."

"Their findings suggest that genetics play a much larger role. Or, as they phrase it, "heritability of human life span due to intrinsic mortality is above 50%." What is responsible for the gulf between these two figures? The paper's authors argue that the older estimates were "confounded by extrinsic mortality - deaths caused by extrinsic factors such as accidents or infections.""

Heritable aspects of human longevity were previously estimated at about 20–25%, but intrinsic heritability exceeds 50%. Extrinsic mortality includes deaths from accidents, homicides, infectious diseases, and environmental hazards. Extrinsic mortality produced a mortality plateau between ages 20 and 40 and has declined over time. Older heritability estimates were biased by drawing on cohorts with higher extrinsic mortality. The higher intrinsic heritability aligns longevity heritability with other human traits and with observations in mice. Genetic influence is substantial, yet individual health and behavior remain important determinants of lifespan.

Read at InsideHook