The fascination of long life

The search for the secret of a long and healthy life fascinates scientists, researchers and medical experts alike. In recent decades, genetic research has made enormous progress and taken the determination of longevity to a new level.

Genetic predisposition plays a decisive role in determining lifespan and whether age-related diseases may occur.

Specific genes or gene variants have been identified that play an essential role in longevity. Despite these genetic aspects, it is important to emphasize that longevity is not exclusively determined by genes. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking and stress management play an essential role in living a long and healthy life. A healthy lifestyle can help to maximize the potential of genetic predisposition for a longer life.

The island of the centenarians

Okinawa, Japan, known as the island of centenarians, was for decades considered the region with the highest life expectancy in the world. According to studies, this is due to the diet, social cohesion and life in large families and regular exercise. Traditional Okinawan cuisine is low in calories but high in antioxidants and fiber. The menu consists mainly of vegetables, sweet potatoes and bitter melons, but little meat and dairy products, hardly any white flour, little saturated fat, little salt, sugar and hardly any convenience products.

Lifestyle factors that influence longevity

Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking and stress management play a key role in living a long and healthy life. A healthy lifestyle can help to maximize the potential of genetic predisposition for a longer life.

Good to know

Regardless of your genetic predisposition, you can positively influence your life expectancy through a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle, sufficient sleep and social contacts.

What Does Genetics Have to Do with It?