The search for genetic and environmental
factors for longevity is constantly on the rise. While a small proportion of
adults gracefully age to 100 years and above, others can barely make it above
50. The Joe Gqabi District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province in South
Africa is one of the few places in the country with a high number of elderly
people (≥80 years). The purpose of this study was to first identify
contributing factors towards longevity in this district. It was secondly to use
findings from this study to improve the quality of life that has a potential
for the younger generation to experience healthy longer lives. Questionnaires,
in-depth interviews, observation and focus group discussions were used to collect
data. Results of this study indicated that while environmental factors may
influence longevity, genetic factors appear to be the major determinants of
long life spans in the Joe Gqabi District Municipality of South Africa.
However, more studies to determine the specific genes responsible for longevity
will shed more light in the determination of factors that contribute to long
life spans in the study area.
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