In age-adjusted models, paternal and maternal age at the time of death was significantly positively associated with reaching 90 years of age in both male and female children. Siblings and children (together referred to as first-degree relatives) of long-lived people are more likely to stay healthy longer and to live to an older age than their peers. People with centenarian parents are less likely, by age 70, to have the age-related illnesses that are common among older adults. Brothers and sisters of centenarians tend to live longer lives, and if they develop age-related illnesses (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, or type 2 diabetes), these diseases appear later than in the general population.
Longer life expectancy tends to be inherited, suggesting that shared genetics, lifestyle, or both play an important role in determining longevity. Therefore, long-lived parents can reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality in their children, according to the study, which was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology on Monday. The answer to whether longevity is inherited more from the mother or the father is not simple. Research suggests that both parents contribute to their children's potential life expectancy, but the influence of maternal genes may be more significant. Studies indicate that children of long-lived mothers tend to live longer themselves, possibly due to the maternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA, which is transmitted exclusively through the mother.
However, paternal genetics also play a role, especially in certain health conditions that can affect life expectancy. Therefore, maternal and paternal genetic factors are important in determining longevity.
