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Are Psycho-Behavioral Factors Accounting for Longevity?
Rocío Fernández-Ballesteros1, Macarena Sánchez-Izquierdo2
1Department of Psychobiology and Health, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Frontiers in Psychology
|December 5, 2019
Summary
This review highlights flaws in classifying aging factors as purely genetic or environmental. It emphasizes the critical role of psycho-behavioral factors in promoting healthy longevity and successful aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and aging research.
- Exploration of factors influencing human longevity and successful aging.
Background:
- Current longevity research often oversimplifies factors into genetic versus environmental, overlooking their interdependence and the complexity of environmental influences.
- The established "successful aging" paradigm includes psycho-behavioral factors, but these are not fully integrated into concepts of healthy or successful longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the current understanding of factors contributing to aging, longevity, and successful longevity.
- To identify limitations in existing classifications of longevity factors and propose a more comprehensive approach.
- To highlight the significance of psycho-behavioral factors in aging and longevity research.
Main Methods:
- A critical review of existing scientific literature on aging, longevity, and successful aging.
- Analysis of the dichotomy between intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic (environmental) factors influencing longevity.
- Examination of the successful aging paradigm and its associated psycho-behavioral factors.
Main Results:
- The genetic vs. environmental classification of longevity factors is flawed due to lifelong epigenetic interactions and vague definitions of "environmental" factors.
- Psycho-behavioral factors, including cognitive function, positive emotions, personality, and lifestyle, are strongly linked to active aging, health, longevity, and survival.
- Existing metrics like Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) do not fully incorporate the concept of successful aging or its psycho-behavioral determinants.
Conclusions:
- A more nuanced understanding of aging requires acknowledging the interplay between genetic and environmental influences, particularly psycho-behavioral aspects.
- Psycho-behavioral factors represent a significant, yet under-addressed, component of successful longevity.
- Gerontology needs to integrate psycho-behavioral factors more thoroughly into research on aging and longevity to advance the field.
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