What we inherit from long-living ancestors
When we think about what we inherit from our long-living ancestors, it’s not just about passing down family stories or traditions. There are deep biological gifts encoded in our genes that influence how long and how well we live.
One of the key things inherited is genetic variants that help protect us from age-related diseases. For example, certain versions of the APOE gene play a big role in longevity. The APOE gene helps manage fats in the body and affects brain health. Among its variants, APOE2 stands out because it offers strong protection against Alzheimer’s disease and heart problems—two major threats to a long life. People who carry this variant tend to have healthier brains and hearts as they age, which helps them live longer[5].
Another important factor is related to cellular aging. Our cells have protective caps called telomeres at the ends of their chromosomes, which shorten as we get older. Some people inherit genetic traits that keep these telomeres longer for more time by maintaining higher activity of an enzyme called telomerase. This slows down cellular aging and delays many signs of getting old[5].
Beyond individual genes like APOE or those affecting telomeres, our DNA also carries traces from ancient human relatives such as Neanderthals and Denisovans through interbreeding tens of thousands of years ago. These inherited fragments can influence various biological functions today—from immune responses to metabolism—which might indirectly affect longevity by shaping how well our bodies handle environmental stresses[1].
The way these genetic factors pass down is often along direct paternal lines (father to son) or maternal lines (mother to child), with some parts like Y-chromosome DNA providing nearly unbroken records through generations without much change except rare mutations[4]. This means some families might carry specific longevity-linked traits consistently over centuries.
In essence, what we inherit from long-living ancestors includes a mix of protective genes against diseases, mechanisms slowing cellular wear-and-tear, and ancient genetic legacies that together shape our potential lifespan and health span—the years lived in good health rather than just survival.
So when you look at your family tree or hear stories about great-grandparents who lived past 90 or even 100 years old, remember there could be real biological reasons behind their longevity passed on quietly within your own DNA—gifts written into your very cells waiting to support you throughout life.
