A remarkable new study suggests the secret to living a century or more may be written in our ancient genetic code, specifically in DNA inherited from prehistoric hunter-gatherers.
The Genetic Link to a Century of Life
Researchers from the University of Bologna conducted a detailed analysis of the genetic makeup of over 1,000 Italians, including 333 individuals who had reached the age of 100 or older. They then compared these modern genomes with ancient DNA from prehistoric populations, such as Bronze Age herders and Neolithic farmers from the Middle East.
The analysis revealed a striking pattern: those who lived to 100 exhibited a significantly higher genetic affinity to Mesolithic Western European Hunter Gatherers (WHG). This ancient group inhabited Europe between 9,000 and 14,000 years ago, following the last Ice Age, and were characterised by dark skin, light eyes, and robust physiques.
"Our analyses showed for the first time that long-lived individuals exhibit a higher affinity to WHG-related ancestry," the research team reported in the journal GeroScience. They noted a greater genetic contribution from this ancestry in Italian centenarians, suggesting this pre-Neolithic component could be beneficial for longevity in the modern era.
Ancient Lifestyles and Modern Lifespans
The Western Hunter Gatherers survived by hunting animals like deer and gathering diverse resources such as roots and hazelnuts in a warming climate. The University of Bologna team found that people over 100 carried a notably higher number of hunter-gatherer-related genetic mutations, while no other ancient ancestries showed a similar link to extended lifespan.
The precise biological mechanisms behind this connection remain unclear and require further study. However, the findings point to a profound legacy from a lifestyle that dominated human existence for millions of years before the advent of farming roughly 12,000 years ago.
One of the most famous representatives of this group is Cheddar Man, whose 10,000-year-old skeleton was discovered in Somerset's Gough's Cave in 1903. As Britain's oldest nearly complete skeleton, he belonged to these early Western Hunter Gatherers, whose diet was rich and varied.
Centenarians in the UK and Beyond
This research emerges as record numbers of people are celebrating their 100th birthdays. According to recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, over 16,600 people in the UK were aged 100 or older in 2024—more than double the figure from 2004. Women significantly outnumber men among centenarians.
The world's oldest living person is believed to be Ethel Caterham from Surrey, aged 116, who attributes her long life to avoiding arguments. Other supercentenarians cite factors ranging from diet and routine to social connections and purpose.
While lifestyle and environment play crucial roles, this new genetic research adds a deeper, historical layer to the mystery of longevity. It suggests that the robust genetic inheritance from our resilient hunter-gatherer ancestors might still be conferring an advantage, helping some individuals reach exceptional ages in today's world.
