[Munky-Necan]

> The effects of loci of interest on male and female lifespan are largely the same, although their effect on survival may be slightly stronger in middle age (40–60 years) compared to old age (>80 years).

This is interesting. I have a feeling that because there are many congenital cardiovascular and other congenital diseases that one usually succumbs to in the 40-60 range that is what we are seeing a stronger link to genes here. Unless a parents passes away before the age of 55 from a heart attack it's not considered hereditary.

I find it interesting when studied like this are performed. One of the best predictors of life expectancy in elderly individuals is grip strength; not because of the fact that one has a strong grip, but because a stronger grip means more muscle mass leading to longer life. When I see that iron levels are correlated to longer lifespans I wonder if there's something else going on. Many women, in particular, walk around with iron deficient anemia and don't realize their fatigue is because of their lack of iron. Anyway, I'm excited for this line of research to be further delineated.