Longevity is genetic

Very interesting and educational article on the “Search for the illusive fountain of youth” by CJ Artemio Panganiban (With Due Respect, 7/08/24). He gave a historical perspective from biblical times to modern times which included what he called “living cell therapy.” Despite his discussion of the eight commonalities among the centenarians, he forgot to mention a basic fact about longevity.

This is genetics, the make-up of our genes which we all inherited from our parents and ancestors. We are what we are. If there is significant longevity in the family, unless changed by deaths by accidents, epidemics, or occasional cancer, you expect to live as long or even longer than your parents.

I also liked his term, “lively longevity,” since what really counts is not the number of years that you are alive but your quality of life or QOL.

How I wished we could choose our parents and know the genes of our future partners to produce children with longevity genes.

Ida M. Tiongco, M.D.,

idationgco@gmail. Com