Prof. Ramsuran emphasizes that individuals can significantly influence their longevity by adopting healthier lifestyles, such as improved diet, regular exercise, and stress management, since gene editing technologies are not yet widely accessible.

He explains that genetics account for about 25-30% of longevity, but epigenetics—lifestyle-driven changes—have a much larger impact, allowing people to modify gene expression without the need for genetic editing.

At the World Health Expo in Cape Town, Prof. Ramsuran highlighted the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and lifespan, stressing that both inherited genes and epigenetic factors shaped by lifestyle influence longevity.

Most genetic research has focused on European populations, which has led to disparities such as higher adverse drug reactions among Africans—South Africa, for example, experiences a 25% adverse reaction rate compared to less than 1% in countries like Switzerland and Norway.

Despite Africa being the birthplace of humankind and having the youngest population globally, there is a significant lack of genetic research focused on African populations, hindering the development of tailored medical treatments.

Organizations like YourGenes are working to gather and analyze African genetic data to better understand how genetics contribute to health and longevity.

Research on aging in animals, including mice, shows that modifying epigenetic markers can extend lifespan, indicating that aging can potentially be slowed or reversed through environmental and lifestyle changes.

Ramsuran used a building analogy to explain epigenetics, comparing genes to a house foundation and epigenetic modifications to adding features like better lighting, which can improve health outcomes.

While certain genes such as FOXO3, SIRT1, and APOE are linked to longevity through their roles in cellular repair and inflammation control, knowing these genes alone does not guarantee a longer life; lifestyle choices remain crucial.