Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

Living Longer

Do you find yourself curious about why certain people manage to live significantly longer than the average human lifespan? The dream of immortality persists only in fantasy while our search for extended lifespan remains fascinating. The desire to extend human life has fascinated us since ancient times beginning with legends about Nicolas Flamel up through present-day supercentenarians. Experts consistently recommend regular exercise and balanced nutrition as the cornerstone for achieving extended lifespan and better health. The highest age attained by people who follow health-conscious lifestyles still does not exceed 110 years. What distinguishes the exceptional people who live to 122 years old as Jeanne Calment did? Genetics may hold the answer. The genetic variants present in APOE and CHRNA3 genes demonstrate a connection to prolonged human lifespan. The APOE gene variant enhances exercise-related lifespan benefits while CHRNA3 gene variants highlight cigarette smoke avoidance for extending longevity. Researchers have discovered many genetic elements beyond the specific genes which affect how long people live. Our lifespan is impacted by genes related to heart health and brain function as well as those affecting cholesterol and body composition. Knowledge of your genetic predispositions helps you understand your potential lifespan and allows you to make better health decisions. We can all adopt specific strategies to improve our lifespan since genetic factors only partially determine how long we live. The latest research offers these practical recommendations as a starting point:

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Your diet should include more fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. - Reduce your intake of both red and processed meats along with added sugars and salt.
Stay Active: Staying physically active helps preserve your independence and extends your lifespan during aging.
Avoid Smoking: Giving up smoking and staying away from cigarette smoke can greatly increase the length of your life.
Limit Alcohol Intake: Maintaining overall health and extending life expectancy requires moderate alcohol consumption.
Prioritize Mental Health: Maintaining good mental health through stress management and social interactions helps to extend lifespan.
Consider Your Genetic Risk Score: Discover personalized health optimization strategies through your genetic profile to achieve better health outcomes and extended longevity.

Conclusion: Our pursuit of extended life expectancy and improved health relies on multiple factors including genetic elements and lifestyle choices combined with individual healthcare strategies. Learning about our genetic impact on lifespan while actively working to improve our health enables us to achieve a life of greater vitality and satisfaction. Explore Precision Health & Wellness tests from PlexusDx to gain insights about your genetic predispositions while receiving personalized health optimization recommendations. Start your journey towards better health and longevity by visiting PlexusDx.com or ordering through Amazon and Walmart. Our daily decisions significantly affect our overall well-being even though genetics influence our lifespan. Through adopting a comprehensive health and wellness approach we gain access to the keys of living an extended healthy life that brings greater fulfillment. Discover your genetic potential and take the first step towards Precision Health & Wellness today!

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.

What are the genetic factors affecting lifespan and ways to improve it?

Genetics and lifestyle influence longevity. Specific genes like APOE and CHRNA3 impact lifespan. Healthy habits and personalized healthcare can enhance well-being and promote a longer life.

Living Longer

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