The health information developed by RealAge is founded on the best medical and health
science research has to offer. Below are some of the frequently asked questions about
the science and philosophy behind RealAge. Click on a question to read the answer.
Is aging largely determined by genetics? |
Scientists used to think that was true. But in the past couple decades, research has indicated that genetics do not play nearly as big a role in aging as was previously thought. For most people, behaviors and choices have a much bigger impact on their health and longevity than genes do. Current estimates are that genetic factors only account for about 30% of a person's longevity.
Most of us do not live nearly as long as our genes would allow. Not-so-good lifestyle choices can make life uncomfortable or shorter than necessary. Only a lucky few have good enough genes to make poor choices and still live long, healthy lives.
In some cases, genetics do play a role in aging. The breast cancer gene mutation is one such example. Being a carrier of the BRCA-1 gene mutation can make a woman's RealAge as much as 17 years older. Nevertheless, the more a woman knows about her health risks, the better prepared she is to avert them and take steps to prevent the aging that can occur because of those risks. Take the RealAge Breast Cancer Screening Health Assessment to learn what you can do to reduce your risk.
This is even truer with other chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. At any stage of the development of these diseases, there are opportunities for preventing the aging they can cause, even more so the earlier it is in the development of the disease. The more proactive a person is about making healthy lifestyle choices, the younger he or she is. Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
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