Good news! Scientists at Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University have conducted a study that suggests our genes affect only 20-35% of our chances of living to 100 years old. The study only focused on Washington State but the findings suggest that a neighborhood’s walkability plays a big role in longevity. Mixed-age communities and higher socioeconomic status also contributes to your chances of being a centenarian.

Why is this good?

The study shows that there are contributing factors outside of our genetic makeup that can help us live longer. If the findings are replicated elsewhere, it could also help city planners who can work to make neighborhoods more conducive to longer life. A push to make a mixed-age neighborhood more walkable can help older generations live longer and younger generations pass the century mark.

Or maybe you’d like to hear how these people did it:

Source:  Washington State University Full Story
Van Dongen, Judith, Washington State University. “Centenarian study suggests living environment may be key to longevity.” 7 June 2020.