Longevity

Learn how YOUR genes impact longevity and healthspan, and then apply the research-based Lifehacks to optimize your health and prevent the diseases of aging.

Aging can be thought of as the time in life when cellular damage is greater than the body can repair. This formula, though, doesn’t have to be set in stone for us. You can prevent some of the diseases of aging through optimizing your lifestyle and diet, and you can stay healthy throughout your final years.

Member’s: Check out the Longevity Topic Summary Report for a quick overview of all your genetic variants related to longevity.

Longevity Genes: Hacking healthspan using genomics

There is a lot of research going on right now to determine exactly why and how we age — and why some people naturally live longer. Several genes have been identified as longevity genes, linked to an increase in lifespan. Most importantly, these particular genetic variants show links to a longer ‘healthspan’. Check your genetic data to see if you carry the FOXO3A and IGF1R variants associated with healthy longevity.

Rapamycin, mTOR, and Your Genes

Rapamycin is an antibiotic that is used as an immunosuppressant, an anti-cancer agent, and to prevent blocked arteries. Rapamycin is now the focus of longevity and healthspan-extending research through its inhibition of mTOR.

TREM2 and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

The TREM2 gene is important in how the brain’s immune system functions. Learn how variants in this gene impact the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Genes

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly. You will find supplements specifically promoted for preventing AMD. This article explains age-related macular degeneration, delves into the genetic risks, and then explains which supplements are likely to be protective and which may do more harm than good.

Nitric Oxide Synthase: Heart health, blood pressure, and aging

Nitric Oxide Synthase is an important signaling molecule in the endothelium of our blood vessels. It has roles in the regulation of blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, brain health, and more. Genetic variants in nitric oxide genes are important for a healthy heart. Find out how your genes could play a part in the interactions with cardiovascular disease risk and blood pressure.

Aspirin, colon cancer, and genetics

For some people with specific genetic variants, aspirin may help to prevent colon cancer. Learn more about what the research says and check your genes.

Melatonin: Key to Health and Longevity

More than just a sleep hormone, melatonin is at the heart of many health topics. Your genetic variants play a big role in the production of melatonin. Learn how your lifestyle and diet interact with your melatonin-related genes.

Building Up Iron: Hemochromatosis mutations

A couple of common mutations can cause you to build up iron, leading to iron overload or hemochromatosis. It is one genetic disease where knowledge is really powerful – you can completely prevent hemochromatosis through blood donations.

Longevity Summary Report

Utilize our Longevity Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to see which articles may be most relevant to you. These summaries are attempting to distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please see the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)

metformin

Metformin: Longevity research and genetics

A decades-old diabetes drug now holds promise for increasing healthspan. Research shows that metformin may reduce the risk of some of the diseases of aging, thus increasing the number of years someone is healthy.

Advanced Glycation End Products

One cause of many of the diseases of aging is the buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Your genes interact with your diet – and cooking methods – in the build-up of AGEs. Learn whether this is something that is important for you to focus on. (Member’s article)

Using genomics to solve wrinkles and age spots

Some people age naturally with beautiful-looking skin. Others slather on creams and odd gunk in a futile battle to chase away wrinkles and age spots. What is the difference? Genetics and environmental factors, of course.

Klotho Gene: Anti-aging superpowers?

The Klotho protein is involved in many of the diseases of aging. Learn more about this gene and find out how your Klotho variants may impact healthy aging. (Member’s article)

telomeres and aging

Telomere Length: How your genes affect telomeres and aging

Your telomeres are the region at the end of each chromosome that keeps your DNA intact when your cells divide. Telomeres that are too short cause cells to stop dividing. This causes some of the diseases of aging. Genetics plays a role here – along with diet and lifestyle. (Member’s article)

Genes Involved in Autophagy

Just like you need to take out the trash and recycle your plastics and cans, your body also needs to clean up cellular waste and recycle proteins. This process is called autophagy, and it is incredibly important in preventing the diseases of aging. (Member’s article)

Why light at night increases cancer risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes light at night as a probable carcinogen. Learn why dim light at night increases your risk of breast cancer — and what you can do to easily reduce this risk. (Member’s article)

Osteoporosis Genes and Prevention Strategies

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease facing many of us as we age. Genetics plays a big role in susceptibility to osteoporosis. The good news here is that knowing where your genetic susceptibility lies can lead you to targeted, personalized solutions for osteoporosis. (Member’s article)