How much of our lifespan is down to good genetics? The answer: over half, according to research published in 2026. That’s a lot – 55 per cent to be exact.
Other, older studies have given widely varying estimates for the role of genetics. But if this one’s correct, it means the heritability of human lifespan is much higher than we previously believed.
What’s different about this paper is that the researchers – from the Weizmann Institute of Science, in Israel – controlled for external factors such as accidents, infectious diseases and living conditions, all of which cause premature death.
They believe that these factors “depressed” previous estimates of the genetic contribution, making it appear less significant than it truly is.
The potential finding could have implications for both longevity researchers and the average person who wants to eke out their time on Earth.
