Our Genes and a long healthy life

According to Dr. Manuel de la Peña, our genes play a vital role in ensuring a healthy lifespan of 120 years.

Our life expectancy is determined 25% by the genes we inherit and 75% by our habits and lifestyles in which discipline is the key.

We have sought the opinion of Dr Manuel de la Peña, a multi-award winner and internationally renowned academic, director of the Chair of Heart and Longevity and president of the European Institute of Health and Social Welfare.

De la Peña stresses that nowadays anyone can know their genome and identify the genes associated with longevity. You can also measure the length of telomeres, which are the true determinants of our lifespan, using a basic blood test.

De la Peña points out that genetics plays an important role in people’s health as they age. Of the 20,000 genes we have, around 2,000 are associated with longevity. In fact, there are pro-longevity genes that include DNA reprogramming, telomere maintenance and protection of cells against free radicals. There are also genes associated with the elimination of cholesterol and the reduction of inflammation.

The Klotho gene is crucial for a long life, as it produces Klotho in the kidney, a protein known for its anti-ageing and neuro-rejuvenating effects. De la Peña states that administering Klotho in experimental models has shown to improve markers linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, kidney failure, and arteriosclerosis.

Another longevity gene is FOXO3A, which regulates the stress response. Green tea induces the expression of this gene, thanks to its high content of ECGC-type polyphenols. Conversely, certain individuals possess the MC1R gene that generates melanin, the protective pigment against the sun’s harmful radiation. Likewise, when the NDT80 gene activates, cells live twice as long as normal, making it key to rejuvenation. This could describe up to 2,000 longevity genes, according to De la Peña.

Those lucky enough to have this genetic inheritance will have many advantages, but according to Professor de la Peña the key is epigenetics, i.e. the influence of customs, habits, and lifestyles, which are what will allow us to live longer and with a better quality of life.

De la Peña, in addition to being a professor of cardiology and academic, is a doctor cum laude and a writer. He has been awarded the Gold Badge of the Association of Coronary Patients (APACOR) and the Bronze Medal of the Society for International Studies (SEI).

The European Institute of Health and Social Welfare is an independent institution, where Nobel Laureates, ministers of different political persuasions and Members of the European Parliament, among others, have participated.

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