When it comes to longevity, does it matter more whether you have โgood genesโ or โgood habits?โ While the factors that influence how long we live are complex and varied, the combination of the genetics youโre born with and the choices you make play a key role in your overall lifespan.
Itโs no surprise that people who live longer often avoid orย delay major age-related diseases. To increase your chances of adding more healthy years, focus on theseย eight key healthy behaviors:
- Participating in physical activity
- Getting restorative sleep
- Eating a balanced diet
- Managing stress
- Maintaining strong social connections
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Avoiding opioid use
One of the most clear and consistent genetic links with longevity is in theย APOEย gene. While the well knownย e4 variant increases the risk forย late-onset Alzheimerโs disease, theย e2 variant of this gene isย associated with a longer lifespan.
Severalย studiesย have found other genes connected to longevity, including theย FOXO3 gene, which is often seen in studies of people who live very long lives. … While predicting exact lifespan is complex, understanding your genetics can help you take proactive steps toward a healthier life.
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While genetics can influence your predisposition to certain diseases, combining genetic and lifestyle information can provide a fuller picture of disease risk. It can also help motivate and focus your efforts to prevent those diseases.
