Your Longevity Genes Help a Little, But Not Smoking Helps a Lot More
This study suggests lifestyle habits like not smoking matter more for lifespan than longevity genes.
Researchers checked whether a genetic score for long life actually predicts who lives longer. It did, but the effect was modest. Smoking heavily was a far stronger predictor of early death than genes. This is a good reminder that your daily habits can outweigh the hand you were dealt.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The authors declare no competing interests.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
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