Ancient DNA Holds Key to Living Past 100

Recent research indicates a fascinating link between ancient DNA and exceptional longevity. A study involving over 1,000 Italians, including 333 centenarians, revealed that individuals who reached 100 years of age tended to have a higher proportion of genes associated with Mesolithic Western European Hunter Gatherers (WHG).

These ancient peoples, who inhabited Europe between 9,000 and 14,000 years ago, followed a lifestyle centered on diverse hunting and gathering. The findings suggest that this pre-Neolithic genetic heritage might contribute positively to living beyond a century, a phenomenon not observed with other ancient ancestries.

While the exact biological mechanisms remain under investigation, this discovery opens new avenues for understanding the genetic factors influencing extreme lifespan. It highlights how ancient human genetic components could still play a role in modern health and longevity.