The Importance of Genetics
Genetics can influence lifespan and susceptibility to certain diseases.
Some families contain unusually high numbers of people who live into their 90s or beyond.
Scientists have studied such families to understand which genetic factors may contribute to healthy aging.
However, genes are not the entire story.
Lifestyle and environment also matter.
Someone may inherit characteristics associated with longevity but still develop disease because of smoking, inactivity, poor nutrition, or other risk factors.
Conversely, a person without a particularly long-lived family history can still reach an advanced age.
Staying Active as We Age
Physical activity is one of the most important lifestyle factors associated with healthy aging.
Regular movement helps maintain muscle strength, balance, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness.
For older adults, maintaining muscle strength can be especially important because muscle loss can increase the risk of falls and difficulty performing everyday activities.
Activity does not necessarily mean intense exercise.
