The article I found on genetics and aging was from MSNBC. It is titled, "Living to 100? Researchers Close in on Genetic Factors." Here is the link for you to check out: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38041947/ns/health-aging/. The article describes a study that looked at the genetic markers of those who lived over 100. From the study, a number of genetic variances were found to be similar. To test the accuracy of the genetic variances in predicting life expectancy, researchers looked at 1,055 genomes of caucasians. The researchers were able to predict with 77% accuracy the people who were over 100 years old. It was found that the centenarians have genes that help them to live longer by protecting them from obtaining certain diseases. It was also found that centenarians that lived to be over 110 years old had three genetic variants in common.
I think this article portrays how prevalent genetics is in determining our life expectancy. Some of us, depending on our medical history may be more susceptible to diseases than others. This would cause us to not live as long. I think it is very interesting that our life expectancy may be predicted by looking at our genome, however, if this is something everyone could do I people would forget the essentials of staying healthy such as exercising and eating right. If someone said you will live to be over 100, I don't think many people will think they are doing anything wrong.
I think it's interesting that our life expectancy (or some of it) is determined regardless of how we choose to live. If I were told that due to my genetics, I will live to be 100, I wonder how much I would focus on exercising and eating right... I wonder how much of our life expectancy is determined by genetics and how much we can alter that based on our lifestyle choices.
ReplyDeleteI agree and think you make a great point in the last paragraph by saying that although yes our genetic make-up and genes are important in determining our lifespan so are the other factors such as eating right and exercising regularly.
ReplyDeleteWow, 77% accuracy is not really bad when you think about all the different factors that are involved- including accidental deaths (i.e. car accidents).
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