Jewish Longevity—Myth or Fact? The Potential for An Extended Lifespan In Jews

Abstract

Do Jews live longer than the general population? In this paper, the question of a potential extended lifespan associated with the Jewish community is explored. The hypothesis claimed that Jews would be associated with increased longevity due to various factors, including education, socioeconomic conditions, religion, and genetics. Overall evidence seems to point in the general direction of increased longevity associated with Jews. In a personal interview, Dr. Gil Atzmon, a longevity researcher at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, asserted that there exists no genetic link between longevity and the Jewish people. Based on this, the association between Jews and longevity would be solely due to environmental or behavioral factors. Further extensive studies are needed in order to confirm or deny this claim.