A groundbreaking genetic study has revealed that Italians who reach 100 carry significantly more ancient Western hunter-gatherer DNA than their younger counterparts. The research, published in GeroScience, suggests that genetic echoes from our prehistoric past may hold secrets to exceptional longevity. Scientists found that every small increase in hunter-gatherer ancestry corresponded to a 38 percent higher chance of becoming a centenarian.
Researchers from the University of Bologna analyzed genome-wide data from 333 Italian centenarians and 690 geographically matched controls. The findings demonstrate that ancient demographic processes continue to shape present-day patterns of human health and lifespan, challenging conventional understandings of longevity genetics.
- Ancient DNA Reveals Contrasting Fates of Hunter-Gatherer Groups
- Dark Skin and Blue Eyes: European Hunter-Gatherers Did Not Fit Common Molds
Ancient Ancestry and Modern Longevity
The study compared contemporary Italian genomes with ancient DNA from 103 individuals representing four major ancestral populations that shaped European genetics. These included Western European hunter-gatherers from the Mesolithic period, Anatolian Neolithic farmers, Bronze Age Yamnaya pastoralists, and populations related to Iranian Neolithic groups. Through sophisticated analysis techniques, researchers discovered centenarians showed significantly closer genetic affinity to Western hunter-gatherer populations than controls.
The Western hunter-gatherer component emerged as the only ancestral population showing statistically significant associations with extreme longevity. While previous studies explored relationships between ancient ancestry and longevity through candidate genes like FOXO3 and APOE, this research represents the first genome-wide investigation of ancestral contributions to exceptional lifespan.
Infographic of ancestral contributions to present day Italian genetic variation. (Sarno et al./ GeroScience)
Genetic Architecture of Exceptional Lifespan
Using ChromoPainter software, researchers painted individual chromosomes as mosaics of genetic chunks inherited from ancient populations. This revealed that centenarians possessed more genomic segments traceable to Western hunter-gatherers compared to controls. The team examined 18 pro-longevity genetic variants previously identified, finding that longevity-associated alleles inherited from hunter-gatherer populations differed significantly between groups.
The statistical analyses adjusted for Italy's north-south genetic gradient, ensuring observed effects reflected genuine ancestral contributions rather than geographic population structure. Female-specific analyses replicated the findings, strengthening the conclusions.
- Fourth Strand of European Ancestry Originated with Hunter-Gatherers
- Neolithic Farmers Assimilated Local Hunter-Gatherers
Centenarians represent exceptional longevity and healthy aging. (David L/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)
Implications for Longevity Research
These discoveries suggest that hunter-gatherer populations possessed genetic variants conferring advantages for extended lifespan that persist today. Researchers propose potential mechanisms including enhanced immune function, metabolic efficiency, and stress response capabilities that evolved during challenging Paleolithic conditions. The study emphasizes that genetics of human longevity exhibit population-specific characteristics shaped by distinct evolutionary dynamics.
The centenarians studied were born between 1901 and 1913, surviving beyond the 99th percentile of their birth cohorts despite experiencing two world wars and limited medical technologies. Their genetic advantages may have helped maintain health and resilience throughout extraordinary challenges. While lifestyle factors remain decisive influences on lifespan, this research demonstrates ancient genetic heritage provides a foundational component. The findings open new avenues for understanding aging's biological basis and may inform future therapeutic approaches. As paleogenomics advances, researchers expect to uncover additional connections between ancient population dynamics and contemporary health outcomes.
Top image: Tribe of Hunter-Gatherers Wearing Animal Skin Holding Stone Tipped Tools, Explore Prehistoric Forest in a Hunt for Animal Prey. Source: Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock
By Gary Manners
References
Mallick, S. and Reich, D. 2023. The Allen Ancient DNA Resource (AADR): A curated compendium of ancient human genomes. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/FFIDCW
Sarno, S. et all. Western Hunter-Gatherer genetic ancestry contributes to human longevity in the Italian population. GeroScience. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-025-02043-4
Radley, D., 2025. How ancient hunter-gatherer DNA could unlock the secrets of living to 100. Archaeology Magazine. Available at: https://archaeologymag.com/2025/12/hunter-gatherer-dna-and-secrets-to-living-100/
