Expert reveals the two factors that determine whether a person lives to 90 years old.
Have you ever wondered why some people live to be 90, or why some don’t even reach 60? Aside from accidents, an expert reveals the answer to this big question. So pay close attention, because here we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Reaching a certain age is a blessing that not everyone has, an opportunity we should seize and celebrate, as many would have liked to have had it.
As has been noted, people can live for a few or many years. Some people don’t make it past childhood, while others continue to live another year, even after turning 90.
While we would all like to live to be 90 or beyond, the reality is that not everyone has or will ever have that opportunity. The reason? In fact, there are several reasons, and an expert biogerontologist reveals what they are.
The director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California, Valter Longo, has revealed the factors that influence how long you’ll live.
We may think that what we do on a daily basis doesn’t directly influence how long we’ll live, but it does, and significantly, and here’s why.
The factors that influence whether a person lives to 90
“Genetics may be very important for reaching 110, but the factors that determine whether a person lives to 65 or 90 are nutrition and lifestyle,” says biogerontologist Longo.
So, it’s clear that while genetics plays an important role, we must take care of other aspects if we want to live to be around 90 or older.
A good diet is necessary from childhood; however, as we grow, we require other types of nutrients, or in greater quantities, to meet our needs.
Considering the above, we understand that as we grow, our diet should be more balanced, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and fiber, while avoiding excesses such as sodium, sugars, fats, etc.
The ISSSTE reveals that nutrition “helps the development and proper functioning of your body, as well as the prevention and/or treatment of some diseases.”
“Your diet should be carefully considered from birth, but especially from the age of 20, although even after 60, changing to a diet focused on longevity can be very effective,” the expert says.
It is recommended that your special diet be rich in carbohydrates, at least 80%.
On the other hand, lifestyle also plays a fundamental role in a person’s lifespan, and it directly influences overall health, so it’s important to keep it in mind.
Quality of life refers to the amount of physical activity you do, whether you drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, and the quality of sleep you get. The better all your habits are, the better your health will be and the greater the likelihood of avoiding disease.
Therefore, it’s very important to keep this information in mind.
Longevity is no longer a matter of luck—it’s the result of choices we make every single day. While genetics plays a role, it is clear that diet and lifestyle are the two main pillars of good health and a longer life. Eating well, avoiding excess, and maintaining an active body and mind can make all the difference between a life filled with illness and one full of energy and well-being. Science continues to show that even later in life, changes in our habits can have a significant, positive impact. Physical activity, stress reduction, quality sleep, and social engagement are just as important as a balanced diet. It’s the small, daily decisions that shape our future. We don’t need to make drastic changes overnight—starting with small, steady steps is enough. Perhaps it’s taking a longer walk, cutting back on sugar, or adding more vegetables to our meals. All these choices contribute to a better quality of life over time. Most importantly, we must value ourselves. Prevention is key. By taking care of both our bodies and our minds, we increase the chances not only of living longer but also of living better. The goal isn’t just longevity, but healthy longevity—being functional, happy, and active for as long as possible. The science of longevity, as presented by Valter Longo, isn’t just theoretical—it is grounded in decades of research and can guide us toward a healthier, more fulfilling future. The choice is ours—and it can begin today.