Genetics matter far less than most people think when it comes to how long we live. According to National Geographic, DNA accounts for only about 20% of lifespan — the remaining 80% comes down to lifestyle, environment, and daily choices. And one of the clearest markers of healthy aging, researchers suggest, is reaching your 60s free from five major chronic diseases.
In brief
- —Genetics account for only ~20% of lifespan, per National Geographic
- —Five diseases — heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, lung disease — cause 74% of global deaths
- —150 minutes of moderate exercise per week recommended by Harvard Health
Five diseases that account for 74% of global deaths
The World Health Organization estimates that non-communicable diseases — including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions — are responsible for approximately 74% of deaths worldwide, with the elderly disproportionately affected.
