Scientific studies are building evidence that our environment and lifestyle greatly impact our health and lifespan. Have you ever worried about inheriting a family history of disease? The question of whether our genetics predestine our health outcomes has long been debated. However, while genetics may seem like an undeniable influence, a recent study reveals that our behaviors have a stronger influence on length of life than our DNA. These findings highlight the profound impact our choices have on our longevity.
This study aimed to investigate the link between physical activity and sedentary behavior and their impact on mortality in post-menopausal women aged 63 years or older. The study involved 5,446 participants who were divided into three groups based on their genetic risk factors. Using a select few single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are known to affect longevity, researchers measured the participants’ genetic risk factors. SNPs are crucial in forecasting someone’s response to certain drugs, their vulnerability to environmental hazards like toxins or industrial waste, and their likelihood to develop specific illnesses.
This research study has definitively proven that engaging in higher levels of physical activity can significantly decrease one’s risk of mortality. Conversely, those who exhibit a higher degree of sedentary behavior are at a greater risk of dying during a follow-up period of over six years on average. These results underline the crucial significance of engaging in regular physical activity and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity for minimizing mortality risk among older women, regardless of their genetic disposition towards longevity.
The science of human longevity is a complex interplay between genetics and lifestyle, according to an article published in Immunity and Aging in 2016. Family studies reveal that genetic factors account for 25% of variation in healthy aging. However, intriguingly, research indicates that caloric restriction, epigenetic factors, genetics, and lifestyle also influence longevity. Epigenetics is the study of how our environment and behavior can exert an effect on gene function. While genetic changes are irreversible, epigenetic changes are reversible as they do not impact DNA. Understanding the complex interplay of genetics and lifestyle is key to unlocking the secrets of healthy aging.
This scientific study provides valuable insights into the correlation between genetic risk factors, physical activity, and sedentary behavior, all of which can play a significant role in determining mortality rates in older women.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Associations of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time With All-Cause Mortality by Genetic Predisposition for Longevity
