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The document “Determinants of Longevity” is a comp The document “Determinants of Longevity” is a comprehensive scientific review that explains why some people live longer than others. It explores how genetic, environmental, and medical factors combine to shape human lifespan, using evidence from demographic databases, epidemiological studies, and genetic research.
The paper highlights that in modern, industrialized societies, both maximum lifespan and average life expectancy have continued to rise, with no convincing evidence of a fixed biological limit of around 85 years. In fact, the largest improvements in survival have occurred among people aged 80 and older, showing that longevity can keep increasing as medical care and living conditions improve.
It explains that genetics accounts for about one-quarter of the variation in human lifespan, based on large twin studies. Certain genetic markers (such as specific HLA types or variants of the APOE gene) are associated with reaching extreme old age. However, genes alone cannot explain how fast life expectancy has risen in just a few generations—most gains come from environmental factors, including sanitation, reduced smoking, improved nutrition, better working conditions, and advances in healthcare.
The document also discusses extreme longevity (centenarians) and corrects earlier myths by showing that many historical claims of 120–150-year lifespans were exaggerations. Verified records today suggest human lifespan has no clear ceiling and continues to increase as mortality rates decline even at advanced ages.
Environmental and behavioral factors—such as socioeconomic status, education, diet, physical activity, body weight, alcohol consumption, and particularly smoking—play major roles in shaping longevity. Medical advances, including treatments for heart disease, infections, and age-related illnesses, contribute significantly to longer lives.
Finally, the paper concludes that while we can identify many influences on longevity at the population level, predicting an individual’s lifespan remains extremely difficult because longevity results from complex interactions among genes, behaviors, early-life conditions, and medical care.... |