What percentage of lifespan is determined by genetics?

New research suggests that genetics may determine up to 55% of human lifespan, a figure significantly higher than previously estimated.

How do twin studies help understand lifespan?

Twin studies are used to assess the role of genes in lifespan, especially when deaths from external factors like accidents are accounted for.

What is the healthy life expectancy in England?

For the period 2021 to 2023, healthy life expectancy at birth in England is estimated to be around 61.5 years for males and 61.9 years for females.

Home / Science / Genes Hold Key to Longer Life, Study Reveals

Genes Hold Key to Longer Life, Study Reveals

30 Jan

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Summary

Genetics may determine up to 55% of human lifespan.
New research challenges previous estimates on genetic influence.
Healthy life expectancy in England is around 61.5-61.9 years.

Genes Hold Key to Longer Life, Study Reveals

New research indicates that genetics may be the primary determinant of human lifespan, potentially influencing up to 55% of how long individuals live. This finding, emerging from the University of Copenhagen, significantly revises previous scientific understanding, which typically placed genetic influence at a much lower percentage.

The study utilized twin studies to more accurately assess genetic contributions, particularly when external factors like accidents and infectious diseases were minimized. Such insights carry profound implications for understanding the aging process and the potential scope for lifestyle interventions.

Historically, average life expectancy has risen over centuries. Recent data from England estimates healthy life expectancy at birth to be approximately 61.5 years for males and 61.9 years for females for the 2021-2023 period.