Centenarians: Delaying the Onset of Chronic Disease 20-25 years. Copy their phenotype!

Centenarians, people who live over a hundred, have puzzled researchers due to their diverse behaviors. However, studies have revealed that genetics play a crucial role in their longevity. Centenarians do experience chronic diseases, but their onset is delayed by 20 to 30 years compared to the general population. They have a slightly higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a slightly lower risk of cancer. This discovery highlights two key insights: first, centenarians are not immune to disease, but rather delay its onset; and second, their longevity is primarily determined by genetics, although it is not linked to a single gene. While we cannot alter our genes, we can learn from their traits to adopt a similar lifestyle.