Genetics or lifestyle? What is important to live longer?

This text was written by a TecMundo columnist; Learn more at the end.

We carry a strong genetic burden that affects how and how long we live. Our genes play an important role in our life expectancy. A question that arises is whether the lifestyle we lead, consisting of different behaviors, we can overcome adverse genetic factors so we can live longer.

Recent research has investigated the relationship between genetic factors and lifestyle and life expectancy and has brought interesting results.

Explore the research

The researchers accessed a famous UK database called UK Biobank, which has been conducting research since 2006. The influence of genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors on the development of diseases in the population. They found associations with data from more than 350,000 European adults recruited from 2006 to 2010 and followed through 2021.

Regarding the life expectancy of people determined by their genes, three categories were created: long (20%), medium (60%) and short (20%) life expectancy. Regarding lifestyle, three classifications were made: positive (23%), moderate (56%) and unfavorable (21%) healthy lifestyle.

Data confirm that people with a genetic predisposition to short life expectancy have a 21% higher risk of premature death. People with an unhealthy lifestyle have a 78% increased risk of dying prematurely, regardless of genetic factors.

It seems that if we can choose between one or another of the determinants of living longer, fortunately this is the factor over which we have the most control.

The main conclusion is that a healthy lifestyle consisting of factors such as no smoking, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and a healthy diet can compensate for this condition. 62% genetic predisposition considered poor longevity, adding a 5-year life expectancy.

Since the study is observational, it makes associations about changes in behavior and life expectancy without establishing cause-effect relationships.

Find out what the 3 necessary conditions are

Even genetic factors that do not promote longevity, which is an individual factor we inherit from our parents and over which we have no control, a person can compensate for this by 62% with a healthy lifestyle. A balanced life is achieved through active and healthy behaviors. Three basic conditions arise for this:

1. Awareness of the importance of behavior through knowledge;

2. Developing the desire to change through attitudes appropriate to behavior;

3. Motivation to maintain behavior through action and maintenance.

What is the best lifestyle to live longer?

Data show us that a healthy lifestyle can compensate for the inherited presence of genes that are bad for life expectancy. To do this, pay attention to: quality sleep, regular physical activity, stress control, relationships, healthy nutrition, avoiding smoking and avoiding smoking. or consume alcoholic beverages in moderation.

However, it’s important to be aware that the fitness industry, especially through social media, is always trying to trick us into thinking we need something beyond the basics: quality sleep, adequate nutrition and regular exercise. The rest is just noise.

This does not mean that achieving this stable and balanced biological foundation is an easy task. On the contrary, sleep well in a world full of stimuli; eat well when we eat extremely tasty but nutritionally poor food; moving when we no longer need it; This is difficult and sometimes even counterintuitive. But we need it.

It turns out there is no magic pill for living longer, but rather a set of healthy behaviors that increase the chances of longevity.

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Fábio Dominski He holds a PhD in Human Movement Sciences and a degree in Physical Education from Santa Catarina State University (UDESC). He is a university professor and researcher at the Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology (LAPE/UDESC). he is doing scientific dissemination on social media there podcast available on Spotify. Author of Physical Exercise and Science – Facts and Myths.