How much is longevity genetics and how much what you do?

[zzzjoy]

My dad just turned 92 and he had an uncle who lived to be 96.
Dad's brother's didn't live this long and had more health problems even though they ate healthier and were more physically active than my dad.

Now since Dad turned 85 he has walked on a treadmill 3x a week and done some work with weights at a health center but most people don't start that when they are 85.

[ozzie]

I think a lot of it is genetics. My mother-in-law is 95 and her father lived to be 96. Her brothers are all a ripe old age now and they are all very slender. I think my husband will take after his mother's relatives because he also has a very slender build. None of these people, other than my husband, did any exercise.....well, except for hard work!

[luvbunnies42]

My dad's side of our family tends to live for a long time and all be very active people.My great grandmother out lived 2 husbands and was still driving and working out at 94.She passed away a few years ago when she turned 96. My grandpa is active and goes to the gym almost every day.Even if it's just swimming or on a tredmill. You really wouldn't know my pap is his age.He's a stud muffin. (LOL) and honestly is in better shape then my father. So, I think genetics does come into play alot. As long as other factors like smoking daily, drinking and just poor habits in general aren't to different.

[ken7700]

I think genetics does have a lot to do with the longevity issue that people talk so much about. Many people who seem to live long have others in their family do the same. I guess genetics could have a lot to do with that.

[zzzjoy]

I'm glad to hear it is happening in other families too, not just a strange thing in mine.
My dad's brothers really were much more health conscious and active but it didn't help when it came down to genetics.
Now I do think it will help any of us feel better in the short run and the long run but it is no guarantee on how long you will live.

[DianaR]

Genetics is n over riding factor in longevity. Those who benefit from exercise usually do so based on their genetic ability to respond to metabolic demands.

This isn't to say that exercise isn't beneficial, but I don't believe it is the fountain of youth that many sources would have us believe.

[Tigger]

That's true. Much of your longevity is due to your genetics, but exercise is certainly helpful.

[McKenzie]

What happens if you have one side of your family that lives a long time, and the other has lots of conditions like cancer? My mom's side lived a long time, but my Dad's has many instances of cancer. It worries me, but it is hard to know how much is because of the way they lived or if it is their genetics. How do you know?