Moncrieff What is the secret to living a long life?
Dec 19, 2025
Professor Rose Anne Kenny, an expert in gerontology and ageing research at Trinity College Dublin, shares insights into the secrets of longevity. She discusses notable factors like the importance of hard work, as highlighted by Ireland's oldest resident, and the genetic influence that becomes significant after 80. Kenny reveals that having children can enhance one's lifespan through social engagement and care, while the protective effect of marriage is explored. Interestingly, she notes the increasing number of centenarians in Ireland, reflecting demographic changes.
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Avoid Smoking And Stay Active
- Avoid smoking and heavy drinking and keep active to boost your chances of long life, as exemplified by Ireland's 109-year-old Eileen Hines.
- Rose Anne Kenny highlights hard work and daily physical activity as contributors to longevity.
Genes Grow More Important After 80
- Genes influence longevity increasingly with age, contributing about 20% before 80 and about 40% after 80.
- Rose Anne Kenny explains this rise likely reflects fewer environmental deaths among those who reach very old age.
Children — Biological Or Adopted — Help Longevity
- Having children correlates with longer life even when the children are adopted, suggesting social factors matter.
- A Swedish study found one adopted child added ~3 years and two or more added ~5 years on average.