Want To Reach 100 Years Old?

Scientists have discovered that the key to a long and healthy life is genes.

17:33 05 August 2015

Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered about the “long life genes” that centenarians and super- centenarians (those who live to 105 and longer) can pass along to their children, allowing them to reach at least 100 years old.

 

In the study, it was found that people who aged 100 or older have high performing human cells that slow down the aging process – a trait that is also observed in their children.

 

Professor Thomas von Zglinicki, of Newcastle University Institute of Ageing, said: "Centenarians and super-centenarians are different - put simply, they age slower. They can ward off diseases for much longer than the general population.

 

"Our data reveals that once you are really old, telomere length does not predict further successful ageing.

 

"But it does show that those who have a good chance to become centenarians and those older than 100 maintain their telomeres better than the general population, which suggests that keeping telomeres long may be necessary or at least helpful to reach extreme old age."

 

The study, which looked at data from 1,554 individuals, including 684 centenarians, 167 pairs of offspring, and 536 people, was conducted to determine the biological traits that predict extreme longevity. It was conducted in partnership with the Keio University School of Medicine in Tokyo.