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Genetic influence on human lifespan and longevity.

Jacob vB Hjelmborg1, Ivan Iachine, Axel Skytthe

  • 1Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winslovsvej 9 B, 5000, Odense C, Denmark. jhjelmborg@health.sdu.dk

Human Genetics
|February 8, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Genetic factors significantly influence human lifespan, especially after age 60. This study on twins reveals that shared genes play a larger role in longevity as individuals age, supporting the search for longevity genes.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Human Genetics
  • Population Health

Background:

  • Human lifespan variation is partly genetic (20-30%).
  • The role of genetics in extreme longevity remains unclear.
  • Previous studies suggest genetic influence on lifespan, but its age-dependency is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic influence on human lifespan across different ages.
  • To determine if genetic factors become more important for survival at older ages.
  • To analyze lifespan data from large twin cohorts to assess genetic contributions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a large population-based twin study of Danish, Finnish, and Swedish twins born 1870-1910 (n=20,502).
  • Analyzed mean lifespan based on co-twin's survival and relative recurrence risk of reaching specific ages.

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  • Followed individuals until 2003-2004 to capture survival data.

    • Main Results:

    • Genetic influence on lifespan increases significantly after age 60.
    • For male monozygotic (MZ) twins, lifespan increased by 0.39 years for each year their co-twin survived past 60, compared to 0.21 for dizygotic (DZ) twins.
    • The relative risk of reaching age 92 was substantially higher for MZ twins (4.8) than DZ twins (1.8), indicating stronger genetic impact at advanced ages.

    Conclusions:

    • Genetic factors play a minimal role in lifespan before age 60 but become increasingly important thereafter.
    • The findings support the ongoing search for specific genes that influence human longevity, particularly in very old age.
    • This study provides robust evidence for a significant genetic component in extreme human longevity.