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The secret of Indians’ longevity has been discovered. In a study conducted on two groups of people of different age groups, scientists identified 11 types of genetic variants, which not only give long life but also serve as a protective shield for the elderly. Genetic variants protect against health problems such as slow heart rate, short stature, schizophrenia, stress, dementia, biliary tract disorders, heart attack, blood clotting.
According to the research report published in the medical journal MedRxiv, samples from 133 people aged 85 and over and 1,155 people in the 18-49 age group were tested. For this, Map My Genome India uses genetic testing. In both groups, 8,768 genetic variants were found that may cause cardiovascular, cancer, neurological, gastro, metabolic and autoimmune diseases. When these 6,300 variants were further tested, they found 11 variants that confer longevity. One of these variants, called the RS 2802292 G-allele, has also been found in people from Japan, Germany and France who live to be 100 years old.
Genetic factors are important for longevity
Genetic factors play an important role in determining longevity. The influence of genetics on a person’s survival and health is up to 40 percent. Between 2000 and 2019, life expectancy per capita in the country increased from 62.1 to 70.8 years. Only 0.4% of the population reaches the age of 85. Understanding the genetics of longevity in India remains a challenge.
