Longevity Genes: Do You Want to Know?
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If you test positive for the longevity genes, you may want to call Willard Scott and put your name on the waiting list for your 100th birthday announcement sooner than later. Last week Sebastiani et al., out of Boston University, published their findings titled “Genetic signatures of exceptional longevity in humans.” Given an individual’s DNA sequence, researchers can predict with 77% accuracy if a subject has the magic DNA to live to 100. It’s a remarkable finding that opens many doors – including some we may want to keep closed…
US Census data indicate that the average life expectancy of a person born in 2010 is 78.3 years and for the 0.3% of Americans who make it to 100, the recent study clearly demonstrates a strong genetic underpinning. But life expectancy is a complicated equation. The predictive analysis of the longevity genes is 77% accurate, which suggests that diet and environmental factors can help the other 23% get there. While it makes sense that lifestyle choices would impact longevity, it’s possible that other genetic markers have yet to be discovered, which would increase the accuracy of the test.
So, as with many genetic tests, the personal question arises: Do I want to know? Some see genetic analysis/testing for longevity genes as beneficial – if they’re in the 25% who don’t have the genetic make-up, they will work hard to regulate diet and exercise to try to get there. Others see it as a grim reminder of their own mortality and choose to live life as it comes, without input from their genes. But how to scientists see these issues? Does our background make us more equipped to handle the results, or does our knowledge of the current state of research in a field make us more hesitant to know the truth about our own fate? What do you think?
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