Scientists have long debated whether genes or lifestyle choices are more crucial in determining longevity. While there’s no clear answer, research suggests that making healthy lifestyle choices can significantly extend one’s life span.
A study analyzing over 276,000 US veterans found that adopting eight healthy behaviors could add up to 24 years to people’s lives. These behaviors include a healthy diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and not smoking or abusing opioids.
However, if the goal is to reach 100, genetics seem to play a more significant role. According to experts, about 25% of longevity can be attributed to genes, while 75% is due to environmental factors such as lifestyle choices.
Research on centenarians has revealed that many people with exceptionally long lives don’t have healthier habits than the average American. Yet, they live longer and have lower rates of age-related diseases.
Some genes, like APOE2, may help protect against certain conditions. However, these genes are rare, occurring in less than 1% of the population. There is no single gene that offers protection against all of aging and age-related diseases; it’s likely that hundreds of genes combine to make a difference.
In conclusion, while lifestyle choices can significantly extend life span, genetics play a more significant role when it comes to reaching 100. Experts emphasize that making healthy choices is essential, even if you don’t have the “right” genetic combination.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/08/well/longevity-influences-genetics-lifestyle.html