English
English
English
The study, conducted by researchers from Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science and Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, reveals that around 50 percent of human lifespan is influenced by inherited genetic factors. In simple terms, half of how long we live depends on the genes passed down from our parents.
Representational Image
New Delhi: Most people believe that a healthy diet, regular exercise and disease prevention are the keys to a long life. While these factors certainly matter, a new study suggests that a significant part of how long we live is decided long before we make our first lifestyle choice—by our genes.
According to new research, nearly half of a person’s lifespan is determined by genetics, challenging long-held beliefs that lifestyle factors dominate longevity.
Genes account for 50% of lifespan
The study, conducted by researchers from Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science and Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, reveals that around 50 percent of human lifespan is influenced by inherited genetic factors. In simple terms, half of how long we live depends on the genes passed down from our parents.
Challenges earlier estimates
This finding marks a major shift from previous research. Earlier studies suggested that genetics contributed only 15 to 33 percent to lifespan, with most estimates hovering around 20-25 percent.
The new analysis indicates that the genetic influence on longevity has been significantly underestimated.
How the study was conducted
The research, published in the journal Science, used an advanced mathematical model to reach its conclusions. A key strength of the model was its ability to separate deaths caused by external factors-such as accidents and infections-from those influenced by biological aging.
By excluding such external causes, researchers were able to more accurately measure the true impact of genetics on lifespan.
Why the findings matter
Scientists say the study has important implications for aging research. A deeper understanding of the genetic basis of longevity could help shape future research on healthy aging and age-related diseases.
While lifestyle choices remain important, the study makes it clear that our genes play a far more decisive role in determining how long we live than previously believed.
