Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Genes May Control Longevity More Than Lifestyle
A new study says that genes play a big role in how long you live.
While living healthily can add a few years, it's unlikely to make a huge difference if your genes say you'll only live to be 80.
The study looked at data from twins and centenarians.
It found that genes are responsible for more than half of the differences in life spans.
Lifestyle can add or subtract about 5 to 10 years, but reaching a very old age, like 100, mostly depends on your genes.
Experts agree that genes are important, but also say that healthy habits can still make a big difference in how long and how well you live.
Genes account for more than 50% of life span differences, according to a new study.
Lifestyle choices can add or subtract about 5 to 10 years to your life expectancy.
Reaching a very old age, like 100, is mostly determined by genetics.
The study analyzed data from Swedish twins, American centenarians, and Danish twins.
Healthy habits can significantly improve the quality of life and add years, even if you don't have longevity genes.
- Who
- Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science and other institutions
- What
- A study on the genetic influence on longevity
- When
- Published on Thursday in the Science journal
- Where
- Data from Swedish twins, American centenarians, and Danish twins
- Why
- To understand the role of genetics versus lifestyle in determining life span
- Study Source
- Science journal
- Researchers
- Uri Alon, Thomas Perls, S. Jay Olshansky, Daniela Bakula, Bradley J. Willcox
- Data Sources
- Swedish twins, American centenarians, Danish twins
- Genetic Influence
- More than 50% of life span differences
- Lifestyle Impact
- Adds or subtracts 5-10 years
- Causes of Death Studied
- Cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia
- Genetic Influence on Dementia
- Most likely to be affected by genetics