Longevity-associated variant (FOXO3)

FOXO3 helps cells resist stress and is one of the very few genes linked, across many populations, to living to an exceptionally old age. The longevity-associated version slightly raises the odds of reaching very old age, though lifestyle and chance dominate.

Possible results

Typical (no FOXO3 longevity variant). You don't carry the FOXO3 longevity-associated version, so as far as this gene goes, your odds are at the typical baseline. Longevity is overwhelmingly about lifestyle, environment and chance, with genetics a minor player outside extreme old age.

One FOXO3 longevity copy. You carry one copy of the FOXO3 version linked to reaching very old age. It's a small, favorable nudge tied to cellular stress resistance, and one of the few longevity genes replicated across populations. Habits still matter far more.

Two FOXO3 longevity copies. You have two copies of the FOXO3 longevity-associated version, the genotype most enriched among people who reach 95 or 100. The effect on any one person is small and lifestyle dominates, but it's a genuinely interesting and well-replicated longevity signal.

Evidence & sources

Across global populations, about 28% of people carry two copies of this variant, and about 28% carry none.

Related

Body mass (BMI) tendency · Colorectal cancer risk (8q24) · Coronary artery disease risk (9p21) · Diastolic blood pressure · Factor V Leiden thrombophilia · Type 2 diabetes · Type 2 diabetes protection (PPARG Pro12Ala)