The Real Secret to Longevity May Be in Your Genes

The reason people live longer might be their ancestors.

My father was an internist in rural New York. He was obsessed with answering the question of why people live long lives. His conclusion was, “Pick your ancestors wisely.” On-line sources are bursting with supposed secrets to a long life. One recent post about a 103-year-old woman claimed her secret was eating one dark chocolate piece every day and attending mass. I guess if you are a non-Catholic, then your days are numbered. Other posts suggest intermittent fasting, high carb diet, taking a sauna, diaphragmatic breathing, avoid eating plants, drink red wine, and coffee. And those were just a few found in searching the topic on Medium.

We hear about “Blue Zones” where people live will into their 90’s and even past 100. Researchers try to dissect the diet and lifestyle of these regions of the world to find the keys to longevity. Perhaps the reason is nothing more complicated than our genes. Research has looked at this, and some authorities conclude the genetics alone may account for only a 20–30% chance of living a long life (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4822264/). Studies of the Blue Zone diet show similarities to the Mediterranean diet. I have offered this diet as the proven best one for health and longevity (https://readmedium.com/the-proven-healthiest-diet-d9c28c7412c). In brief, there is little meat, limited dairy, and lots of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and fish.

However, I have found scarce data on how often the “Blue Zone” inhabitants marry within their own. That could account for some as a yet unidentifiable genetic explanation if it is higher than lower longevity areas. There is no doubt that diet and regular physical activity play a complementary role. Also, avoidance of carcinogens like smoking is likely causative too. But I still have to wonder about the genetics. That brings me back to my family.

My father’s side of the family was from Poland. All of his three siblings died from heart disease before they were 80. My father had coronary artery disease and bypass surgery. He ultimately died of cancer in his mid 80’s. My mother’s family was from eastern Europe and mostly lived into their 90’s and beyond. She died at 100. Same diets. Same levels of activity. I am reluctant to generalize since this is just one family. However, during my over 30 years of practising cardiology, I have observed a similar pattern in my patients. Longevity seems to run in families.

One woman I will never forget was Natalie. She was one of my most intriguing patients. She had a bad heart valve, and I had suggested surgery to her in her early 90’s. She declined. She lived well past 100, 107 to be exact, and I would see her every six months. She took delight in proving me wrong and would smile as I entered the exam room, and gleefully say, “Are you surprised to see me again?” I had to smile, nod, and say, “Yes.” Only later did I find out her sister had also lived to be 106.

I don’t claim to have the answer to this age-old question. But I am reasonably sure it’s not saunas, coffee, chocolate, or attending mass. However, some data suggest that religion and faith can have a positive impact on aging. My father’s joke about “choosing your ancestors wisely” is essential, but out of our control. So practice what you can control. Exercise regularly, don’t smoke, don’t overeat, and follow the Mediterranean or similar “plant-based diet.” Enjoy wine and coffee in moderation. And even if dark chocolate doesn’t help, it sure tastes great.

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