The JAMA Network Open pooled analysis combined three cohort studies and found that adults with at least one parent who reached age 100 had markedly lower risks of death, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. The pooled sample included 2,319 offspring of centenarians and 2,703 comparators (including spouses), with follow-up ranging from 16 to 29 years. At any given age, centenarian offspring had a 42% lower risk of death, a 33% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 32% lower risk of hypertension. Researchers note genetics likely play a role but stress healthy behaviors remain important for everyone.
Having a Parent Who Lived to 100 Tied to Much Lower Risk of Death and Heart Disease, Study Finds
All hereditary? Study finds adults who had at least one parent who lived to 100 had a much lower risk of death, heart disease and high blood pressure compared with people whose parents had shorter lifespans. picture alliance / Patrick Seeger/dpa
A pooled analysis published in JAMA Network Open reports that adults with at least one parent who lived to age 100 face substantially lower risks of death, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure than people whose parents had shorter lifespans.
Investigators from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Boston University and Tufts Medical Center combined data from three long-term cohorts: the LonGenity study (Einstein), the New England Centenarian Study (NECS) at Boston University, and the UK Biobank. By applying the same statistical approach across all three datasets, the team tested whether associations held consistently across different populations and follow-up periods.
Study population and design: The pooled sample included 2,319 adults with at least one centenarian parent and 2,703 comparators. The comparison group comprised people whose parents died at age 85 or younger and spouses of centenarians' children. Including spouses helped control for shared environment and lifestyle, since partners often live similar lives but do not share the same genetics. Follow-up times varied by cohort: the LonGenity study and the UK Biobank provided up to 16 years of follow-up, while the NECS contributed up to 29 years.
Ways to keep well include a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while keeping sodium intake low. Move more each week with physical activities like walking, swimming, or cycling, keep a healthy weight and limit on alcoholic drinks and stop smoking or vaping. picture alliance / dpa
Main findings: After adjusting for age and other factors, participants with at least one parent who reached 100 had a 42% lower risk of death at any given age compared with those whose parents had shorter lifespans. They also experienced a 33% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 32% lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
Eric Reed, lead author: "This is not to say that lifestyle doesn't count—healthy behaviors remain important for everyone. But some people from families with exceptional longevity appear to enjoy biological advantages that help them remain healthy despite environmental and behavioral factors."
What this means: The findings suggest that genetic or inherited biological factors contribute to exceptional longevity and protection from some age-related conditions. However, the authors and experts emphasize that lifestyle still matters: diet, physical activity, weight management, alcohol moderation and avoiding smoking remain crucial for health regardless of family history.
Practical tips to support healthy aging:
- Follow a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains and limit sodium intake.
- Stay physically active—walking, swimming or cycling are good options.
- Maintain a healthy weight and limit alcohol consumption.
- Avoid smoking and vaping.
Implications and next steps: Future research will aim to identify the specific genetic, molecular and physiological mechanisms that underlie familial longevity and protection from cardiovascular disease. Understanding these factors could help guide prevention strategies and new therapies for broader populations.
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