Longer life expectancy tends to run in families, suggesting that shared genetics, lifestyle, or both play an important role in determining longevity. 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.
In conclusion, we identified that in men, both maternal and paternal inheritance are likely to contribute to exceptional longevity, while among women, maternal inheritance seems to be more influential. Several gender-specific genomic mechanisms can influence exceptional longevity, such as genetic variants inherited by the mother or father, mitochondria-derived genes, or a combination of these components. These findings lay the groundwork for the identification of longevity genes whose inheritance depends on gender. Studies have consistently highlighted the importance of maternal genetics in longevity.
One of the key factors is mitochondrial DNA, which is only inherited from the mother. This type of DNA plays a vital role in cellular energy production and has been linked to age-related diseases. Women, who tend to live longer than men, can transmit favorable mitochondrial traits that help increase the life expectancy of their children. In addition, a mother's lifestyle choices and health during pregnancy can also affect the future health and longevity of children.
