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The Surprising Phenomenon of Longevity in Centenarians with Unhealthy Habits

Let us eat and drink, let us eat and drink for tomorrow we shall die!

By Sherry AtkinsonPublished 10 months ago 3 min read
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The Surprising Phenomenon of Longevity in Centenarians with Unhealthy Habits
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It’s commonly believed that maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, staying adequately hydrated, and getting sufficient restful sleep are essential for achieving better health outcomes. However, an intriguing phenomenon challenges this notion - the existence of centenarians who have indulged in smoking, drinking, and unhealthy diets throughout their lives. How can we explain the longevity of these individuals despite their unhealthy habits?

According to Dr. Thomas Perls, a professor of medicine and geriatrics at Boston Medical Center, and director of the New England Centenarian Study, the key lies in the presence of certain protective genes. Perls suggests, "The reason some people can get away with some of those behaviors that are bad for you is likely because they have protective genes" (Today.com). These protective genes are a combination of variants in approximately 130 genes that enable centenarians to age slowly and reduce their risk for age-related diseases (Today.com). It can be likened to winning the genetic lottery, as having the right set of genes becomes crucial for individuals who live to be 105 and older (Today.com).

The significance of genetics in the context of longevity is supported by research conducted by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In a study focusing on Ashkenazi Jews, a genetically homogenous group, the researchers examined 477 Ashkenazi centenarians aged 95 and older. Surprisingly, the centenarians in the study engaged in habits typically considered unhealthy, including smoking, drinking, and poor dietary choices. Furthermore, they were equally likely to be overweight and exercise less than their shorter-lived counterparts (O'Connor, The New York Times). Despite these habits, they managed to live unusually long lives. One notable finding was that approximately one-third of these centenarians reported having multiple long-lived family members (O'Connor, The New York Times).

Dr. Nir Barzilai, the lead author of the study and the director of the Institute for Aging Research at Einstein, acknowledges the influence of genetics on longevity. He states, "We're identifying genes that play a role in aging, and then we can design drugs to mimic their actions" (O'Connor, The New York Times). While genetics undoubtedly contribute to living a hundred years or more, Barzilai emphasizes the importance of adopting healthy habits, especially for individuals without a strong family history of longevity.

While genetics may play a significant role, it is essential to note that lifestyle factors can also influence longevity. Experts suggest that our genes account for only about 20%-30% of our longevity, meaning that approximately 70%-80% can be attributed to lifestyle choices (Edgar, WebMD). A study conducted by Yeshiva University's Institute for Aging Research supports this notion. The study found that individuals who reached the age of 95 were just as likely as their shorter-lived peers to engage in unhealthy habits such as consuming fried foods, drinking alcohol, smoking, and failing to exercise (Thean, Time). This suggests that certain individuals may interact with environmental factors differently due to their exceptional longevity coded into their DNA, potentially mitigating the negative effects of unhealthy habits (Thean, Time).

In conclusion, the phenomenon of centenarians with unhealthy habits attaining longevity can be explained by the presence of protective genes. These individuals possess a unique combination of genetic variants that enable them to age slowly and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. While genetics play a significant role, lifestyle choices still hold relevance, with approximately 70%-80% of aging attributed to lifestyle factors. Therefore, while some individuals may have genetic advantages, adopting healthy habits remains crucial for overall well-being and longevity.

Reference Page

Barzilai, N. (2011, August 4). Centenarians Have Plenty of Bad Habits Too. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/04/centenarians-have-plenty-of-bad-habits-too/

Edgar, J. (2017, April 03). Longevity Secrets of 'Super Agers'. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/special-reports/anti-aging-science/20170404/super-ager-secrets

O'Connor, A. (2011, August 4). Even the Long-Lived Smoke, Drink and Don't Exercise. Time. Retrieved from https://healthland.time.com/2011/08/05/even-the-long-lived-smoke-drink-and-dont-exercise/

O'Connor, A. (2015, October 15). 'Like winning the lottery': Genes can protect centenarians despite bad habits. TODAY. Retrieved from https://www.today.com/health/winning-lottery-genes-can-protect-centenarians-despite-bad-habits-t49446

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Sherry Atkinson

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