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This PDF is a short scientific communication publi This PDF is a short scientific communication published in the Journal of Mental Health & Aging (2023). It provides a concise, structured overview of the major biological, environmental, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors that influence how long people live (longevity) and why people die at different rates (mortality). The paper’s goal is to summarize the multidimensional causes of lifespan variation in global populations.
The article emphasizes that longevity is shaped by a complex interaction of genetics, environment, healthcare access, social conditions, education, medical advancements, and lifestyle choices. It also highlights how these factors differ across populations, contributing to unequal health outcomes.
🔶 1. Purpose of the Article
The paper aims to:
Clarify the major determinants of human longevity
Summarize scientific evidence on mortality risk factors
Highlight how biological and environmental factors interact
Emphasize that many determinants are modifiable (e.g., lifestyle, environment, healthcare access)
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It serves as an accessible summary for researchers, students, and health professionals.
🔶 2. Key Determinants of Longevity and Mortality
The pdf identifies several core categories that influence life expectancy:
✔ A) Genetic Factors
Genetics contributes significantly to individual longevity:
Some genetic variants support long life
Others predispose individuals to chronic diseases
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Thus, inherited biology sets a baseline for lifespan potential.
✔ B) Lifestyle Factors
These are among the strongest and most modifiable influences:
Diet quality
Physical activity
Smoking and alcohol use
Substance abuse
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Healthy lifestyles reduce chronic disease risk and boost life expectancy.
✔ C) Environmental Factors
Environment plays a major role in mortality risk:
Air pollution
Exposure to toxins
Access to clean water and sanitation
Availability of healthy food
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Living in hazardous or polluted settings increases cardiovascular, respiratory, and other disease risks.
✔ D) Socioeconomic Status (SES)
The paper stresses that income and education have profound impacts on health:
Higher-income individuals typically have:
better access to healthcare
safer living conditions
healthier diets
Lower SES is linked to higher mortality and lower life expectancy
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✔ E) Healthcare Access and Quality
Regular medical care is critical:
Preventive screenings
Early diagnosis
Effective treatment
Management of chronic conditions
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Disparities in healthcare access create significant differences in mortality rates between populations.
✔ F) Education
Education improves lifespan by:
increasing health literacy
encouraging healthy behaviors
improving access to resources
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Education is presented as a key structural determinant of longevity.
✔ G) Social Connections
Strong social support improves both mental and physical health, increasing lifespan.
Loneliness and social isolation, by contrast, elevate mortality risk.
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✔ H) Gender Differences
Women live longer than men due to:
biological advantages
hormonal differences
differing sociocultural behaviors
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Although the gap is narrowing, gender continues to be a strong predictor of longevity.
✔ I) Medical Advances
Modern medicine plays a major role in rising life expectancy:
surgery
pharmaceuticals
new treatments
technological improvements
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These innovations prevent and manage diseases that previously caused early mortality.
🔶 3. Major Conclusion
The article concludes that:
Longevity and mortality are shaped by a wide network of interacting factors
Many influences (lifestyle, environment, healthcare access) are modifiable
Improving these areas can significantly raise life expectancy
Despite progress, many aspects of longevity remain incompletely understood
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⭐ Perfect One-Sentence Summary
This article summarizes how longevity and mortality are shaped by genetics, lifestyle, environment, socioeconomic status, healthcare access, education, social support, gender, and medical advances, emphasizing that these interconnected factors create significant differences in lifespan across populations... |