Scientists in Italy have discovered a surprising link between the genetic heritage of ancient European hunter-gatherers and the life expectancy of modern Italians. A study involving over a thousand participants found that people who live to 100 are more likely to carry genes inherited from the so-called Western hunter-gatherers who populated Europe more than 10,000 years ago.
DNA analysis of more than a thousand Italians, including centenarians and middle-aged individuals, revealed that even a small increase in ancient genetic lineage significantly boosts the chances of reaching 100. According to researchers, just a one-standard-unit increase in Western hunter-gatherer heritage raises the likelihood of living to a hundred by 38 percent.
This finding was made possible thanks to modern ancient DNA sequencing technologies and new methods of population analysis. Scientists compared the genomes of centenarians, a control group, and ancient European inhabitants to determine which ancestors had left the most significant genetic mark on Italians today.
Genetic roots
In their research, scientists considered four major sources of genetic diversity in Europeans, including Western hunter-gatherers, as well as members of other ancient populations such as the Bronze Age Yamnaya culture. It turned out that only the hunter-gatherer legacy consistently appears more frequently among centenarians than in the rest of the population.
Interestingly, among women, the Yamnaya genes actually slightly reduced the likelihood of a long life. This highlights how complex and ambiguous the influence of ancient genes on modern health can be.
The authors note that their findings change our understanding of longevity. It can now be viewed not as something static, but as a dynamic phenomenon shaped by historical and genetic factors, as well as a changing environment.
The influence of climate and environment
The arrival of Western hunter-gatherers in Europe coincided with the end of the last Ice Age and dramatic climate shifts. It is possible that during this period, their DNA acquired variants that promoted survival and longevity. Although the exact mechanisms remain unclear, scientists suggest these ancient genes still help some people maintain good health into old age.
In contrast, genes brought to Europe by Neolithic farmers and later migrations may have been beneficial in the past, but today do not always have a positive effect. For example, after the Neolithic period, Europeans developed gene variants that enhanced inflammatory responses—helping them fight infections in densely populated settlements, but now possibly contributing to age-related diseases.
Longevity and evolution
Recent studies confirm that longevity depends not only on lifestyle and environment, but also on a unique set of genes shaped over thousands of years. Different populations may have variations in these genes, reflecting their distinct demographic histories and evolutionary challenges.
In Italy, it was ancient hunter-gatherers who left the most significant mark on the DNA of long-lived individuals. This discovery is the first to link exceptional lifespan to very old genetic components that appeared long before the advent of agriculture and cities.
Researchers emphasize that biodemographic history and genetic ancestry are not just background factors for medical research—they play a key role in determining individual differences in health and aging.
If you didn’t know, the University of Bologna (Università di Bologna) is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in the 11th century. Today, it is considered a leading center for genetic research in Italy and actively participates in international projects on human evolution and health. The university employs world-class experts, and its laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art DNA analysis and bioinformatics technology.
