It’s no secret – our life expectancy ebbs and flows according to various factors spanning genetics, socioeconomic status, relationship health, lifestyle choices, and many more.
Some of those factors are unpredictable events and circumstances beyond our control. Our genetics are more or less locked into place (epigenetics being the caveat) and play a significant role in predisposing, or protecting, from a host of diseases, many of which are featured on the leading causes of death list.
Other factors sit within our sphere of influence, like habits, routines, and lifestyle choices relating to diet, exercise, and the propensity for risk-taking.
This article will provide an overview of the leading factors known to affect life expectancy and longevity, but first, let’s unpack a critical distinction between those definitions.
What is the difference between life expectancy and longevity?
Understanding the subtle differences between these terms is vital when applying them to your life.
Fear not. It’s simple:
Life expectancy refers to the amount of time you can expect to live, given your unique set of circumstances and average ages of death across whole populations.
Longevity refers to the time you live beyond your life expectancy.
According to MacroTrends, the average life expectancy in the United States in 2022 was 79.11 years. So, with all the factors we’re about to cover included in that figure, the average US citizen will pass just short of their 80th trip around the sun.
All the people who make it past the average of 79.11 years are tapping into their longevity, which can be attributed to being dealt a good hand from a genetic or socioeconomic standpoint and practicing healthy habits (while sidestepping harmful ones).
Now that we’ve defined key terms let’s dive into some significant life expectancy factors and their implications on longevity.
What are the most critical factors affecting life expectancy?
Genetics
We briefly touched on the role genetics play in one’s life expectancy and longevity and its significant role at that.
A strong link has been observed between one’s genetic profile and the predisposition to many serious diseases, including heart disease, cancer, strokes, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, respiratory disease, kidney disease, and more.
However, regardless of genetic makeup, you’re not necessarily up a creek without a paddle. Genetic testing is a proactive way to learn about potential risks by analyzing DNA, enabling early detection and preventative action if possible.
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recently changed the recommended age for women to begin screening for breast cancer. In their draft recommendation, the task force lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 40 to catch cases earlier for improved prognoses.
Socioeconomic Status
While this factor can be challenging to accept and digest, there is a clear correlation between socioeconomic status and life expectancy.
One’s socioeconomic status produces ripple effects that intersect with many other life expectancies factors, such as access to education, healthcare, nutrient-rich food, and the feasibility of participating in healthy lifestyle choices, like adequate exercising and healthy dieting.
Socioeconomic status and all of the implications that branch off it merge into a significant factor affecting life expectancy and longevity.
Health of Relationships
Relationship health may not seem to belong so high up on a list of factors affecting life expectancy, but an ongoing 85-year Harvard study begs to differ.
This multi-decade Harvard study on happiness and longevity closely followed 724 participants, gathering health records and asking detailed qualitative questions at two-year intervals throughout their lives.
This complex and arduous study produced some surprisingly simple findings:
Social fitness, or the degree to which we nourish and keep positive relationships over time, keeps us happier, healthier, and on this planet longer.
Not enough is said about the physical effects of toxic relationships, loneliness, social isolation, and shrinking social circles as life progresses. Our relationships are deeply intertwined with our health, a sense of purpose, and connections to communities that keep us looking to the horizon with a positive outlook.
Lifestyle Choices
If we put socioeconomic considerations aside for a second, lifestyle choices are one of the few factors we can positively influence to increase our life expectancy and longevity.
Some examples of lifestyle choices that affect life expectancy are:
- Unhealthy diet – excess sugar, processed foods, and lack of nutrition
- Lack of exercise – unnecessary weight gain, low muscle mass, deterioration of heart health
- Consistent tobacco, alcohol, and drug use
- Risky behavior – reckless driving and excessive risk-taking
Of these factors, those related to weight management are of paramount importance. Eating healthy paired with regular exercise drastically lowers the chances of obesity, which is linked to a long list of co-morbidities. With over 40% of the United States classified as obese, these particular lifestyle considerations potentially extend the life expectancies of many.
This 2017 study from the National Library of Medicine concludes that “obesity is associated with an increased risk of disease and death, particularly from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Are you ready to lean into life expectancy?
That’s great to hear! Our team at Life Expectancy Calculator is committed to using the latest research and data to ensure our models are as accurate and reliable as possible.
So, try our calculator the next time you’re curious about how long you might live. We promise it’s more empowering than unsettling.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more posts on life expectancy and its many interesting rabbit holes.
