Genetics vs. Lifestyle: What Determines Longevity 0 12

Genetics and Biological Age

In the study, British scientists processed data from hundreds of thousands of participants, including genetic markers, medical records, and lifestyle information. Proteomic profiling was conducted on nearly 50,000 individuals — a method of analyzing protein changes that allows for the determination of biological age, reflecting the rate of aging at the molecular level.

Age and sex remain key predictors of longevity, explaining about half of the variations. At the same time, the high percentage of environmental factors surprised researchers and confirmed that habits and living conditions are more significant for health and longevity than genes.

Impact of Environmental Factors

The greatest influence on biological aging and premature death came from:

• smoking
• socio-economic status
• level of physical activity
• living conditions

Environmental factors had the strongest impact on diseases of the lungs, heart, and liver. Genetics played a key role in the risks of breast, ovarian, prostate cancer, and dementia.

Some unexpected findings: taller height and greater weight at age 10 were associated with shorter lifespan, and maternal smoking during pregnancy or early childhood also increased risks.

Nutrition and Social Factors

The study showed a weak link between diet and markers of biological aging, which partially contradicts previous data on the impact of nutrition on chronic diseases. However, social factors — income, housing status, employment — were closely related to aging diseases, although they are not always under individual control.

Scientists' Conclusion

"While we may inherit genetic risks, how we eat, move, and interact with the world matters more for health and longevity," noted one of the study's authors, Associate Professor Hassan Valli.