Your Lifespan May Have Been Influenced Before You Were Born, and New Science Is Finally Showing It

Key Points:

• A new study by Uri Alon and Ben Shenhar from the Weizmann Institute finds that genetic heritability accounts for approximately 55% of human lifespan variation, roughly double previous estimates.
• The researchers used twin studies and mathematical models to separate intrinsic mortality (genetic and biological aging processes) from extrinsic mortality (external causes like accidents and infections), revealing that prior estimates were skewed by extrinsic mortality factors.
• As extrinsic mortality decreased over time and with higher cutoff ages in studies, the heritability of lifespan increased, a trend confirmed by data from Scandinavian twins and siblings of American centenarians.
• The findings suggest genetics play a more significant role in longevity than previously thought, emphasizing the importance of identifying specific genetic variants to better understand human aging mechanisms.
• While genetics are influential, factors such as lifestyle, healthcare access, socioeconomic status, and random biological events still contribute to mortality and require further investigation.