Association of FOXO3A variation with human longevity confirmed in German centenarian studies

Researchers compared DNA from 1,094 German centenarians with DNA from younger German adults. They studied FOXO3A, a gene involved in how cells handle stress and aging. One common version of this gene was more frequent among the people who lived to 100. This was an association, meaning the gene version was linked with longevity but was not proven to cause it.

What this means for you: This adds moderate support that inherited DNA can slightly affect the chances of very long life. It is not a reason to buy a supplement or genetic test, since the gene cannot be changed by ordinary products or habits.