A new study challenges the traditional view that genetics accounts for only 20-25% of human life expectancy variation, suggesting it plays a much greater role today due to changes in causes of death.
Traditionally, it was believed that genetics accounted for 20-25% of the variation in human life expectancy, while lifestyle and environment contributed the majority. However, a new study published in the journal Science offers a fresh perspective, arguing that the genetic contribution to longevity is significantly greater than previously thought. The researchers emphasize that earlier estimates failed to consider how the leading causes of death have evolved over time.
A century ago, many deaths were attributed to extrinsic factors such as accidents, infections, and other external threats. These causes of death were not significantly influenced by an individual's genetic makeup. In contrast, modern advancements in medicine and public health have shifted the focus towards chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer, which are more influenced by genetic predispositions. As a result, researchers argue that understanding the genetic factors is increasingly crucial for predicting life expectancy.
This paradigm shift not only emphasizes the crucial role of genetics in determining longevity but also highlights the importance of continued research in this area. As society progresses and the causes of death evolve, it becomes necessary to reassess our understanding of how genetic and environmental factors interplay to influence overall life expectancy, potentially guiding future health policies and individual health decisions.
