The Long-Standing Debate About Heredity Versus Lifestyle to Improve Longevity Has Some Answers

Opinions differ on which is more important, but only one is under our control.

My mother, on August 20, 2018, during her 100th birthday. Beside her is her 95-year-old second husband. She died three months later. The author owns the copyright to the photograph, and reuse is not permitted.

My mother lived to be 100 years and three months old. Her brother lived to 104, and her father to 92. Longevity runs in their family. It has been hotly debated whether heredity (genes) or our lifestyle plays a greater role in this phenomenon. There are no definitive answers. However, some answers are becoming clearer.

On the lifestyle side is Eric Topol, MD, a renowned American cardiologist. He recently authored a book, “Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity.” The Wall Street Journal recently interviewed him. Topol started out searching for a genetic link.

Led by cardiologist Eric Topol, the researchers hoped to identify the genetic factors associated with healthy aging. To their surprise, they found little in the DNA that stood out. They did, however, notice several striking traits. Compared with their peers, the disease-free subjects were generally thinner, exercised more frequently and seemed “remarkably upbeat,” often with rich social lives.

Here is what Dr. Topol and other researchers found as the strongest keys to increased longevity.