Why do some older people remain strong, active, and independent well into their later years while others become weak and vulnerable? Scientists in Sweden believe part of the answer may be hidden in our genes.
A large new study from Karolinska Institutet suggests that genetics may play an important role in determining who develops frailty as they age. The findings could one day help doctors identify people at higher risk much earlier in life and possibly prevent some of the health problems linked to aging.
The study was published in the journal Nature Aging. Researchers analyzed the DNA and health information of nearly one million people from Finland and the United Kingdom. By studying such a large group, the scientists were able to uncover important genetic patterns linked to frailty.
Frailty is a medical condition that often develops in older adults. It happens when the body gradually loses its ability to recover from stress, illness, or physical challenges. Frail people may feel weaker, tire more easily, lose muscle strength, walk more slowly, and become less able to handle everyday activities.
Frailty is not considered a normal part of aging, although the risk increases with age. Some people in their 80s remain energetic and independent, while others become frail much earlier. Frailty greatly increases the risk of falls, infections, hospital stays, disability, and early death.
Doctors and scientists have long known that lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, smoking, sleep, and social connection influence healthy aging. However, researchers also suspected that genetics may partly explain why aging affects people differently.
To investigate this question, the research team searched for genetic differences associated with frailty. Their analysis uncovered hundreds of genetic variants connected to three major systems in the body: the brain, the immune system, and metabolism.
Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that help the body turn food into energy and keep cells functioning properly. The immune system protects the body from infections and disease, while the brain helps control movement, memory, mood, and many other essential functions.
The researchers found that genes affecting these systems may influence how well the body handles aging and stress over time.
Associate Professor Juulia Jylhävä, the study’s senior author from the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institutet, said the findings show that frailty is not caused by just one problem.
Instead, many genes appear to work together to affect the body’s resilience in older age. Some of the genetic links discovered in the study had never been identified before.
The findings suggest that scientists may eventually be able to estimate a person’s genetic risk of frailty long before symptoms appear. In the future, genetic testing could possibly identify people at higher risk during middle age or even earlier.
This could be important because frailty often develops slowly over many years. If doctors know someone is at higher risk, they may be able to recommend preventive steps much sooner.
For example, people at higher risk could be encouraged to improve their diet, increase physical activity, maintain muscle strength, monitor chronic diseases more closely, and focus on healthy habits that protect the brain and immune system.
Researchers believe early prevention may be one of the best ways to reduce the impact of frailty later in life.
The study also opens the possibility of developing new medical treatments. If scientists can better understand the biological pathways involved in frailty, they may be able to design drugs or therapies that target those pathways directly.
This could potentially slow down the development of frailty or reduce its severity in older adults.
The researchers stressed that genes are only part of the picture. Lifestyle and environment still play a major role in healthy aging. Even people with a higher genetic risk may lower their chances of frailty through healthy habits.
At the same time, some people with lower genetic risk may still become frail because of poor health, inactivity, chronic illness, stress, or other environmental factors.
Scientists say aging is influenced by a complex interaction between genes, lifestyle, environment, healthcare, and social conditions. Understanding these connections will require more research in the future.
The project was a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and Tampere University in Finland. Experts in genetics, aging research, epidemiology, and public health worked together on the study.
Because the study included such a large number of participants, researchers believe the results are especially valuable. Large studies help scientists identify patterns that smaller studies may miss.
Experts say the findings may eventually lead to more personalized approaches to aging and healthcare. Instead of waiting for frailty to develop, doctors may one day be able to predict risk earlier and focus on prevention.
As populations around the world continue to age, preventing frailty is becoming increasingly important.
Longer life expectancy means more people are living into their 70s, 80s, and beyond. Helping older adults stay healthy, active, and independent could improve quality of life and reduce pressure on healthcare systems.
The researchers hope their work will lead to new ways of supporting healthy aging and protecting older adults from one of the most difficult conditions linked to later life.
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