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New research suggests that having parents who lived to nearly 100 or
beyond may give their children a head start on living longer and staying healthier.
By Carolyn Worthington, publisher, Healthy Aging®
Both of my parents lived to be almost 100. When I tell people this, they usually say, “You are lucky. You must have good genes.”
And my reply is, “Yes, unless I mess them up.”
As it turns out, there may be some science behind that exchange.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that people whose parents lived to age 100 or beyond may have a significant advantage when it comes to their own longevity. And the benefits may go beyond simply adding years to life. They may include staying healthier longer, too.
What the Research Found
The study, published August 26, 2026, examined data from three major research groups in the United States and United Kingdom, including the New England Centenarian Study.
Researchers analyzed information from more than 4,000 participants, comparing adult children who had at least one parent reach age 100 with people whose parents had shorter lifespans.
The findings were encouraging.
Compared with the other participants, children of centenarians experienced:
- A 42% lower risk of death during the study follow-up periods.
- A 33% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
- A 32% lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
- An estimated three-year delay in mortality, on average.
- An estimated five-year delay in developing high blood pressure.
The researchers did not find a significant association between parental longevity and cancer risk.
These results don’t mean that children of centenarians are guaranteed to reach 100 themselves. The percentages reflect differences in risk observed among the study groups, not an individual’s chances of living to a particular age.
But the findings add to growing evidence that exceptional longevity may run in families.
Is It Really All in the Genes?
Not entirely.
Genetics clearly plays a role in how we age. Researchers believe that certain inherited characteristics may help protect against diseases commonly associated with aging.
But families share more than DNA.
They often share eating habits, attitudes toward physical activity, social connections, and approaches to handling stress. Growing up in a family where walking, home-cooked meals, or staying socially engaged were part of everyday life may influence habits that continue for decades.
The JAMA researchers found advantages among centenarians’ children even after accounting for several lifestyle and demographic factors. However, the study was observational and could not establish precisely how much of the advantage came from genetics versus environment.
In other words, having exceptionally long-lived parents may give you a head start, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Yes, You Can Mess Up a Good Opportunity
This brings me back to my usual response about inheriting good genes.
Even if longevity runs in your family, lifestyle choices still matter. And if your parents didn’t live to 100, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a long, active life.
Regardless of your family history, there are practical ways to improve your chances of staying well as you age.
Keep moving. Regular physical activity supports heart health, muscle strength, balance, and mobility. Walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, and strength training all count. Find activities you enjoy so you’ll keep doing them.
Eat well most of the time. Build meals around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and other nutritious foods. Include adequate protein to help maintain muscle as you age. You don’t need a perfect diet, just consistently good habits.
Don’t smoke. Smoking remains one of the most significant preventable risks to long-term health. Quitting offers benefits at any age.
Pay attention to your numbers. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes can develop without obvious symptoms. Regular checkups and recommended screenings can help identify problems before they become serious.
Make sleep a priority. Consistent, restorative sleep supports physical and mental well-being. Most adults need approximately seven to nine hours a night, although individual needs vary.
Stay connected. Friends, family, community activities, and meaningful relationships contribute to emotional well-being. Make time for people and activities that bring enjoyment to your life.
Keep your mind engaged. Learn something new, pursue a hobby, travel, volunteer, or take a class. Curiosity and a sense of purpose can make the years ahead more rewarding.
Be mindful of alcohol. Drinking less, or not at all, can reduce health risks. Even moderate alcohol consumption carries some risks.
None of these habits guarantees a 100th birthday. But together, they can help improve your chances of enjoying more active, independent years.
The Real Goal: More Good Years
One of the most interesting aspects of the JAMA research is that it focused on more than lifespan. It also examined healthspan, the years we live without major age-related disease.
After all, reaching 100 is one thing. Being able to enjoy your later years is another.
Perhaps the best way to think about inherited longevity is as an opportunity rather than a promise.
If your parents lived exceptionally long lives, you may have inherited some advantages. If they didn’t, the choices you make today still matter.
As for me, I’m hoping those family genes continue working in my favor. And I’ll do my best not to mess them up.
Who knows? Maybe someday, you and I will be among those centenarians who would have earned a birthday greeting from the late Willard Scott on NBC’s Today show.
Now wouldn’t that be something to smile about?
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