Health
How Lifestyle and Genetics Shape Healthy Aging
Health Points
- Lifestyle choices and genetics both contribute significantly to healthy aging.
- Positive habits can reduce risks of dementia, stroke, and heart disease at any age.
- Routine care and small changes empower better health, regardless of family history.
The wellness industry often touts shortcuts to longevity, but experts say proven habits like regular movement, balanced meals, quality rest, and stress management are most effective.
While both genes and lifestyle influence how we age, research finds that daily routines play a bigger role for many people, especially those aiming to thrive into their 80s and 90s.
Dr. Sofiya Milman, who studies “super agers,” reveals that those who live past 100 owe about 80% of their longevity to genes, but most individuals can control up to 75% of their healthy aging outcomes through lifestyle.
“The question that we all ask ourselves is, ‘What can we do to stay healthy as we age?’”
Brain health remains a top concern with age, yet modifying risk factors can prevent nearly half of all dementia cases—and help ward off stroke and depression, says Dr. Jonathan Rosand.
The Brain Care Score, focused on twelve science-backed habits—including managing blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, exercise, diet, sleep, alcohol use, stress, relationships, and finding meaning—offers a path to better brain outcomes at any age.
Rosand explains: “It’s an empowerment tool, and that’s one of the reasons we insist on backing it up with the very best science.”
Cardiologist Dr. Leslie Cho points out that even with a strong family history, up to 90% of heart disease is preventable thanks to healthy habits like not smoking, fostering a mostly plant-centered diet, and staying active.
“The moral failure is not taking advantage of all these things that can help you live long with less dementia, no stroke, less heart attack.”
Empowering yourself with small, positive changes—and seeking routine healthcare—can support vibrant health at any stage of life.
