# Your Longevity Genes Help a Little, But Not Smoking Helps a Lot More

*Genetic predisposition to longer lifespan, lifestyle factors, and all-cause mortality: a 17-year prospective cohort study.*

- **Evidence Level**: Strong
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: GeroScience
- **Sample Size**: 5,575 Finnish adults, average age 57, followed 17 years
- **Authors**: Tynkkynen NP, Joensuu L, Herranen P, Kaprio J, Törmäkangas T, Sillanpää E
- **Published**: 2026-07-25
- **Topics**: longevity, genetics, lifestyle
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-026-02422-5
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42501270/

## Summary

Researchers checked whether a genetic score for long life actually predicts who lives longer. It did, but the effect was modest. Smoking heavily was a far stronger predictor of early death than genes. This is a good reminder that your daily habits can outweigh the hand you were dealt.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests lifestyle habits like not smoking matter more for lifespan than longevity genes.

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