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9 Factors That Affect Longevity

by ALM Staff
Slideshow

Longevity has been increasing over the past century thanks to medical advances and lifestyle improvements. Not only has the average life expectancy increased since 1900, but a larger number of people are living to older ages, driven in part by a steep decline in the high infant mortality rate that characterized the early 1900s.

1. Gender:

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There appears to be a link between genetic factors and mortality rates. Genetics may play a role in nine of the top 10 causes of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC lists the leading causes of death in the United States as:

  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Chronic lower respiratory disease
  • Accidents
  • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Diabetes
  • Influenza and pneumonia
  • Kidney disease
  • Intentional self-harm or suicide


    • (Image: New Africa/Adobe Stock)

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    Poor conditions in utero, at birth and in very early childhood are associated with higher mortality even at advanced ages, according to IFA. The Society of Actuaries has been studying the impact of early childhood conditions on exceptional longevity, including whether growing up in a city or farm environment affects longevity, as well as whether growing up in certain geographic areas is associated with differing life expectancies.

    (Image: Sunny studio/Adobe Stock)

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    Higher education levels are linked to higher socio-economic status and both are linked to improved longevity, according to Hall and Peterson.

    For those with a bachelor's degree or higher, life expectancy at age 25 increased by 1.9 years for men and 2.8 years for women, according to the CDC. On average, a 25-year-old man without a high school diploma has a life expectancy 9.3 years less than a man with a bachelor's degree or higher. Women with a high school diploma have a life expectancy 8.6 years less than their counterparts with a bachelor's degree or higher, the CDC said.

    Higher education levels were also associated with lower levels of obesity and tobacco use, which may correlate with greater longevity, according to CDC data.

    (Image: Franny-Anne/Adobe Stock)

    5. Socio-economic status:

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    Married people have lower mortality rates than those who were never married, are divorced or are widowed, according to IFA. Various studies suggest that marriage or committed relationships may improve cardiac health, help combat isolation and loneliness that can negatively impact mental health, and motivate people to make healthier choices like keeping regular doctor visits and giving up unhealthy habits.

    (Image: Shutterstock)

    7. Ethnicity/migrant status:

    Group of diverse people

    8. Lifestyle:

    Woman adjusting weight scale

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    Advances in medicine and medical technology have had a major impact on increased longevity. Development of antibiotics and immunizations, as well as improvements in imaging, surgery, cardiac care and organ transplants all have helped push the average life expectancy higher.

    (Image: Shutterstock)

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