Story perspectives

Genetics Now Account for 50% of Lifespan, Study Reveals

2/3/2026

28 2

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science, led by Ben Shenhav, say genetics may account for 50% of lifespan, up from 20% to 25%.
The team used twin studies to isolate genetic contributions and argued earlier estimates underestimated genetics because of external mortality factors.
Lifestyle factors remain crucial at about 50%, with nutrition and exercise potentially growing more influential with age, and researchers call for more longevity genetics work.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science, led by Ben Shenhav, say genetics may account for 50% of lifespan, up from 20% to 25%.
The team used twin studies to isolate genetic contributions and argued earlier estimates underestimated genetics because of external mortality factors.
Lifestyle factors remain crucial at about 50%, with nutrition and exercise potentially growing more influential with age, and researchers call for more longevity genetics work.