„Lifespan is mostly genetic — if your parents died young, so will you.”

A 400-million-person family-tree analysis (Ruby 2018, Ancestry) puts lifespan heritability at only ~7% — the earlier 20–30% estimates came from spouses resembling each other (assortative mating). Genetics matter more past 100, but up to 80 lifestyle dominates: in Harvard cohorts five habits (not smoking, BMI < 25, 30 minutes of exercise, moderate alcohol, good diet) added 12–14 years of life at 50. What's true: Lp(a), APOE4 and familial hypercholesterolaemia are inherited risks — but all measurable and treatable.

Last reviewed: 6 September 2026

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