Recent Blog Articles

Prostate cancer in transgender women

Why eat lower on the seafood chain?

Can long COVID affect the gut?

When replenishing fluids, does milk beat water?

Safe, joyful movement for people of all weights

Slowing down racing thoughts

Are women turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief?

3 ways to create community and counter loneliness

Helping children make friends: What parents can do

Can electrical brain stimulation boost attention, memory, and more?
Staying Healthy
What has the most impact on longevity?
Ask the doctor
Q. My family tends to be long-lived. I hear longevity is due to our DNA, and I also hear it's due to lifestyle. Which is it, and how do they make us live longer?
A. Both DNA and lifestyle can affect longevity, and they both do so in the same way: by altering our body chemistry. DNA controls the production of each of the natural chemicals in our body. It controls both the shape (and, hence, the effectiveness) of each chemical, and also controls how much of that chemical is made. So, it's not surprising that DNA could affect longevity. In the past 20 years, astonishing progress has been made in understanding the body chemistry that controls the aging process. And that knowledge has allowed scientists to extend the life of various animals through simple genetic manipulations.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!