Question 5 of 433
How much of my lifespan is genetic?
The short answer
Many estimates of lifespan heritability are a quarter or less, but that does not mean the remaining years are under personal control. Environment, social conditions, chance, behavior, and medical care all contribute.
Patients say, “My father died at 60 of a heart attack, so I will too.” Then I learn the father smoked two packs a day and never had his blood pressure treated. You did not inherit his fate. You may have inherited his risk, and risk can be managed.
Genes matter more at the extremes. People who reach 100 often carry protective gene variants, as Dr. Nir Barzilai describes in Age Later. But for getting to a healthy 85 or 90, behavior and prevention dominate. Dr. Eric Topol studied 1,400 healthy people over 80, his “Wellderly,” expecting to find longevity genes. He found very little. What they shared was that they moved, they were lean, they were educated, and they stayed socially connected.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
OBSERVATIONAL / GENETIC — Lifespan heritability in populations; not the percentage an individual controls.Evidence grade (draft mapping)CObservationalPart 1, Q5 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.