Scientists found ancient DNA patterns that may explain why some people live past 100
We grow up hearing familiar advice about living longer—eat well, stay active, and look after your health. It is generally believed that these are the keys to a long and healthy life. At the same time, there are always those remarkable people who pass 100 with surprising strength, making us wonder whether there is something else at play that helps people reach 100 or more.
Science has long suspected that genetics might be part of the answer. Now, a fascinating discovery suggests that the secret to extraordinary longevity may stretch back far deeper in human history than we ever imagined. As published in the journal GeroScience on December 13, 2025, scientists explored whether ancient ancestral DNA could hold clues to why some people reach 100 and beyond. The study examined the genomes of 333 centenarians and 690 healthy adults around the age of 50, comparing them with ancient genetic groups that helped shape today’s Italian population.
Italy was chosen for good reason. The country has one of the world’s highest concentrations of people aged 100 and above. Researchers compared modern DNA from nearly 1,000 participants with ancient genomes representing four key ancestral groups—Western Hunter-Gatherers, Anatolian Neolithic farmers, Bronze Age nomadic groups, and ancient populations from the Iranian and Caucasus regions. Among these ancestral lineages, one stood out. Those who lived to 100 years carried a greater proportion of DNA from Western Hunter-Gatherers (WHG), the descendants of Europe’s early populations after the Ice Age. As the researchers noted, “The present study shows for the first time that the WHG lineage… contributes to longevity in the Italian population.”
Even a modest increase in this ancient DNA appeared to make a big difference. The study found that Western Hunter-Gatherer ancestry is so powerful that even a slight rise in its DNA increases the chance by a huge 38% of a person crossing the mark of 100. That’s interesting, right? The pattern was even stronger among women, who were found to be more than twice as likely as men to reach 100 if they carried higher levels of this DNA.
According to researchers, these genetic advantages may have evolved thousands of years ago. As they explained, “We propose that the variants involved in this trait [longevity] may have been introduced into the Italian gene pool at a very ancient time.” Their findings suggest that this ancient genetic layer linked to population shifts after the Last Glacial Maximum may be helping people even in current times. One key possibility highlighted in the study is the body’s response to changes in diet and lifestyle. Some of these longevity-related genes may affect how the body processes nutrients and inflammation. This supports healthier functioning over time. Scientists noted a greater contribution from Western Hunter-Gatherer ancestry in centenarians, indicating that this pre-Neolithic component could still be beneficial in modern life.
No doubt that lifestyle, food habits, and environment continue to play crucial roles in how long we live; this finding opens a new window into our past. The reason for our century-long life may not be just due to our choices, but also the ancient survival stories that have become part of our DNA. These are the stories that make us who we are today.
More on Amplify
Doctor who lives an active life at 101 shared 7 tips for living a long and healthy life