Identicle Twins: Longevity studies offer new evidence
I have said in previous posts that genes don't do very much except carry a blueprint for cell reproduction. They used to think that genes were the "brains" of the cell, directing day-to-day activities within the cell. As it turns out, it is the cell membraine that regulates the daily functions within, and communicates with other cells. The genes, which reside in every cell, don't even know when it's time to reproduce the cell. It's the cell membraine that decides when it's time for an old cell to die and a new one to be born in its place. The cell membraine has to send a signal to the genes in order for cell death and reproduction (apoptosis) to occur.
Given this limited role that genes play, not being involved with the health and longevity of each cell, why would we expect our genes to have anything to do with our health and longevity?
New studies/ New evidence
Recent studies show that identicle twins don't share the same longevity. They share the same genes but die more than 10 years apart, on average. If identicle twins don't share the same longevity, why would anyone think they would share the same longevity as their parents or grandparents? In many cases it may look as though longevity is genetic because children and parents share similar lifestyles, including coping skills.
When I looked at my granparents, both sides of the family, the ages of death (for their offspring) were scattered randomly.
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