To: Melanie Isaac
From: Uvbi Osatohangbon
Date: 06/10/2022
Subject: Genetics: A Determinant of Human Longevity
According to Medline Plus (n.d.) “Is longevity determined by genetics?”. The article states how environmental, social, and personal developments have increased human life span, adding that people can now live up to 80 years or even longer.
Medline plus expresses that scientists have observed that most individuals with longer life spans tend to be women that do not have much in common when it comes to education, profession, and income, but share similar healthy lifestyles like not smoking. Scientists believe that because of this they have a lower probability of developing age-related long-term issues.
The article then mentions how children and siblings of older adults, compared to their peers, have a higher possibility of living and remaining healthy longer, and then continues by stating that if they experience age-related issues, it tends to be seen later compared to the rest of the population. Medline Plus suggests that genetics may play a key role in one’s longevity, as it shows that longer life spans tend to run within families.
The article indicates that the science of studying genes that may play a role in longevity has been newly developed and therefore specific genes, and their contribution, are not yet fully understood but it is believed they play a more progressive role by keeping people healthy.
Medline Plus reveals that for now, scientists hypothesize that for most one’s life span, way of living is a stronger factor than genetics. Therefore, longevity is found to be affected by lifestyle and genetics as well.
References
Medline Plus. (n.d.). Is longevity determined by genetics?: Medlineplus Genetics. MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for you. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/longevity/