Longevity research highlights lifestyle impact over genetics

Research into longevity emphasizes that lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, and mental health, play a more significant role in life expectancy than genetics. According to Professor Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari of the University of Basel, genes account for only 6% to 50% of the variability in life expectancy, while environmental and lifestyle factors contribute between 50% and 94%.

In Switzerland, efforts to bridge the gap between total lifespan and healthy years are being supported by the Swiss Campus for Healthy Longevity, which utilizes large longitudinal datasets. Additionally, pilot studies like ICOPE-SWISS, part of the WHO-ICOPE program, aim to analyze health functions in older adults.

Globally, the longevity sector is seeing significant economic growth. In Thailand, the wellness industry is expanding with specialized clinics in Bangkok aimed at attracting international tourists. Experts, including Professor Andrea Maier of the National University of Singapore, note that the focus of modern longevity science is shifting toward maximizing the number of healthy years a person lives and maintaining functional independence.