People always wonder what the key to living a long life is. While your diet, exercise, attitude, stress level, and sleep may play a part. According to a new study, a majority of people who live past 105 years old have this one thing in common. Read on and find out some secrets and what you can take to extend your life.
People who live past 105 years old have genetic similarities
A May 4 study published in the journal eLife took blood samples of 81 people who were 105 years or older from all over Italy. Then they did the same with 36 healthy people from the same regions who were an average of 68 years old. With their samples collected, a whole genome sequencing was conducted. Certainly, in search of differences in the genes between the older and younger group.
What they found was that people who live beyond 105 years tend to have some genetic similarities.
These genetic similarities are linked to reduced age-related disease.
The researchers identified a handful of genetic variances that were more often seen in people who lived past 105. The most common were linked to heightened activity of the STK17A gene. Correspondingly, is responsible for coordinating the cell’s response to DNA damage. That in turn encourages damaged cells to undergo programmed cell death. Also, it manages the amount of dangerous reactive oxygen species within a cell. This highly active STK17A gene helps combat the initiation and growth of various diseases, including cancer.
The researchers also found an increased presence of BLVRA among people 105 years old and older—that gene plays an important role in the health of cells.
The final common genetic trait was in the COA1 gene, which plays an essential role in your cells’ functionality, specifically how the nucleus and mitochondria communicate.
People who live past 105 had accumulated fewer harmful genetic mutations.
The researchers found that people older than 105 had fewer mutations in the genes they tested. Mutations tend to negatively affect how your genes function in terms of stress and DNA repair. The subjects studied appeared to avoid the age-related increase in disruptive mutations, and thus may have contributed in protecting them against diseases such as heart disease.
Social and environmental factors can also play a part in whether you live to 100.
Genetics may be one element of your longevity, but your social life and environment can play a role, too. April 2020 found that living in highly walkable, mixed-age communities can help you reach that 100-year mark. Aging has been attributed to be only 20–35 percent heritable. Social and environmental factors, such as high educational attainment and socioeconomic status, also significantly contribute to longevity.
Further, people with a high probability of living to 100 tended to live in geographic clusters in urban areas and smaller towns. Chiefly, with a higher percentage of those between the ages of 15 and 64. In a statement, study author Rajan Bhardwaj said, “These findings indicate that mixed-age communities are very beneficial for everyone involved. They also support the big push in growing urban centers toward making streets more walkable. Thus, making exercise more accessible to older adults and making it easier for them to access medical care and grocery stores.” Urban areas also tend to help older adults feel less isolated and offer more community support.
Article by Allie Hogan
Photo credit: BestLife
Related: 9 Lifestyle Habits of People Who Live Past 100 – TUTORING YOU
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