Can Your Blood Type Affect How Long You Live? What Scientists Are Discovering About Longevity

Blood type is determined by the presence or absence of certain molecules—called antigens—on the surface of red blood cells. These tiny markers help our immune system recognize what belongs in our body and what doesn’t. While they might sound insignificant, these molecular differences appear to influence several key areas of health, including heart disease risk, inflammation, and even how our bodies respond to infections.

Over time, scientists have noticed that certain blood types seem to appear more frequently among people who live into their 90s or beyond. For example, some studies have shown that Type O blood is a bit more common among centenarians. Researchers suspect that this could be linked to cardiovascular health, since people with Type O blood often have slightly lower levels of certain clotting factors that can contribute to heart attacks and strokes.

However, the findings aren’t consistent. Other large studies have found only minor differences in longevity between blood types—or none at all. So while it’s tempting to believe that your blood type could hold the secret to a longer life, the real story is more complicated.

How Blood Type Might Influence Health

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