Our genetics can influence our lifespan in several ways, the first way being the link between specific gene mutations and life-limiting diseases.

“This is an area where our knowledge is growing all the time,” Dr Staten explains. “For a long time we have known that some specific gene mutations are associated with certain life-threatening diseases like the BRCA genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer, and our knowledge base of other genetic mutations that increase the risk of some cancers is growing all the time.”

DNA methylation (the term used to describe the process by which genes are switched ‘off’), has also been linked to issues including cancer, autoimmune disorders and neurological disorders.

However, DNA methylation isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it’s just a chemical process. Some genes tell a cell to self-destruct if it becomes damaged, which is key in the prevention of cancer. In this case, we want that gene to stay turned on, so if the opposite happens, we have a problem. However, DNA methylation has also been linked to increased longevity, because it can reverse harmful changes, too.

How big an impact do your genes have on your lifespan?