Genes may set half of your lifespan, new study finds

A Science study published in Science suggests genetics accounts for more than half of the differences in how long people live, meaning our genetic baseline strongly influences lifespan. Environment and lifestyle still matter, potentially shifting a person’s genetically influenced age by about five years through exercise, diet, and social connections. There is no single “longevity gene,” and while maximum human lifespan may hover around 120 years, healthspan and quality of life remain key goals as scientists pursue deeper genetic understanding and potential interventions.