Current research indicates that genes account for approximately 30 percent of longevity in humans which means that healthy habits play a large role in determining lifespan but good genes do help and the question now is how, according to “Longevity Genes: Hunting for the Secrets of the Super Centenarians,” a new popularized publication from The International Longevity Center- USA (ILC-USA) and the AARP Foundation.
“Until recently, why certain individuals live longer than others has been a mystery to scientists,” Robert N. Butler, M.D., president and CEO of the ILC-USA, said. “As we begin to learn more about genetics, we see that there perhaps are certain genes that enable people to cope better with stress, react better to hormones and possibly regulate the rate of aging.”
According to the latest census there are more than 50,000 centenarians living in the United States. In addition, the average American’s life expectancy has risen to 77.2 years, an increase of more than 30 years during the course of the last century. Such marked improvements in longevity have led researchers to ask why such a boost in longevity has occurred. Their search has, in part, looked toward “longevity genes” for the answer.
Although experts are quick to point out that medical advances combined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are still overwhelmingly responsible for improved longevity, they have attributed approximately 30 percent of a person’s longevity to good genes.