How long will I live? Take a test
They are working on a blood test which, should we really want to find out, would reveal who will be a centenarian. They are working on a blood test which, should we really want to find out, would reveal who will be a centenarian.
London - It’s the question many of us can’t help but wonder: How long will I live?
Scientists can’t quite answer that one yet but could soon tell which of us are likely still to be here at the age of 100.
They are working on a blood test which, should we really want to find out, would reveal who will be a centenarian.
Researchers identified 281 genetic markers associated with longevity after examining 800 pensioners with an average age of 104 along with a control group of people of all ages.
Many in the study had managed to reach their advanced age despite unhealthy lifestyles.
This led US scientists at Boston School of Medicine to conclude that their genes appeared to “trump” that behaviour. Using only genetic data, they were able to predict those who had lived past 102 with 71 percent accuracy and beyond 105 with 85 percent accuracy.
Lead author Professor Thomas Perls said: “The evidence suggests that super-centenarians seem to delay or avoid age-related diseases.”
The study, published tomorrow in the journal PLoS One, could help develop blood tests for longevity, he said.
The professor admitted that telling people they will live a long life could affect behaviour but added: “We very much recommend living a healthy lifestyle regardless.”
This is also important for staying mentally sharp into old age, according to another study at Edinburgh University which examined 2,000 pensioners. - Daily Mail