What Factors Influence Longevity?

In a world where the search for the secret of longevity continues, the death of Maria Branyas Morera, the oldest person in the world who passed away at the age of 117, has once again raised the question of what factors help individuals live longer lives. Although Ms. Branyas believed that factors such as order, tranquility, and positive relationships with family and friends played a key role in her longevity, scientists say the answers may be more complex than these factors. Richard Faragher, a professor of biogerontology at the University of Brighton who studies the biological aging process, states, "Despite popular theories, we cannot simply prescribe a one-size-fits-all recipe for longevity. In reality, luck and genetic traits are significant factors that cannot be overlooked." He further adds, "Just because someone smokes and lives a long life, it does not mean that smoking is a healthy habit." According to Faragher, there are two main theories that explain the reasons for living beyond 100 years: the first theory believes that some individuals are simply lucky, while the second theory points to specific genetic traits that prepare individuals for a longer life. Faragher emphasizes that "both theories lead to a similar warning: never, ever take health and lifestyle advice from an elderly person." This biogerontologist states that "most elderly people do not engage in much physical activity, and their diet may also be unhealthy. This contradicts the abundant epidemiological evidence showing that regular exercise and healthy nutrition can contribute to a longer healthy life." For example, research has shown that not smoking, exercising, consuming alcohol in moderation, and eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day can add up to 14 years to one's lifespan. Professor David Gems, a geneticist at University College London, also points to the importance of luck in longevity, stating that while gender is an important factor in longevity, with women generally aging more slowly than men, luck and natural fluctuations in aging rates play a more significant role. He added, "Our study on nematodes, which live only a few weeks, shows that even under identical genetic and maintenance conditions, some worms live 10 days while others live about 30 days." David Sinclair, director of the International Longevity Center, emphasizes the importance of health and medical advancements in improving life expectancy, stating, "For about 100 years, we have seen tremendous improvements in life expectancy, mainly due to vaccination and clean water." He added, "What we have seen over the past 20 years and what we will see over the next 20 years will have a similar focus on aging, which includes improved vaccines for influenza and shingles, statins, and other medications that will help increase life expectancy among the elderly."