Could your blood type have anything to do with how long you live?
It is an intriguing question that researchers have explored for years. Because blood type is determined by genetics and has been associated with differences in susceptibility to certain diseases, scientists have investigated whether particular ABO blood groups are more common among people who live to exceptionally old ages.
Some studies have reported possible differences between blood groups and longevity. But the evidence is far from conclusive, and having a particular blood type does not mean you are destined to live to 100.
The Four Main Blood Types
The ABO blood group system divides blood into four major types:
- A
- B
- AB
- O
These groups are determined by inherited genetic variations that affect molecules called antigens on the surface of red blood cells.
Your blood type is important for blood transfusions and is also being studied in relation to various diseases.
What Have Researchers Found About Living to 100?
One frequently discussed study examined 269 centenarians in Tokyo and compared them with more than 7,000 controls.
Researchers found that blood type B occurred more frequently among the centenarians than among the control group. Based on those findings, the researchers suggested that type B might be associated with exceptional longevity. However, they also emphasized that the mechanisms behind the observation needed further investigation.
That finding sounds impressive, but it is only one piece of the research.
A much larger Chinese study examined 2,201 centenarians and 2,330 middle-aged controls. Researchers found no statistically significant differences in the distribution of blood types A, B, O, and AB between the groups. Their conclusion was that the ABO blood group system was not associated with longevity in that population.
Another study involving centenarians in Western Sicily also found no significant association between ABO blood groups and longevity.
So Which Blood Type Is the “Longevity Blood Type”?
There isn’t a scientifically established answer.
Some studies have suggested possible associations involving type B, while other research has found different patterns or no meaningful relationship at all.
For example, a review of the available research has noted that findings concerning ABO blood groups and longevity remain inconsistent and may differ between populations.
More recent research also suggests that ABO blood groups can be associated with certain cardiovascular and thrombotic outcomes, but these associations do not establish that one blood type determines how long someone will live.
Why Might Blood Type Matter?
Scientists are interested in blood type because ABO-related genetic differences may influence biological processes involved in blood clotting, inflammation, blood-vessel function, and susceptibility to certain diseases.
For example, a large study involving more than 400,000 participants found associations between ABO blood groups and several health outcomes, particularly cardiovascular and thromboembolic conditions. Compared with people with blood type O, people with A or B blood types had higher odds of some thromboembolic events.
But an association with disease risk is not the same thing as an association with overall lifespan.
Living to 100 is influenced by a huge number of factors, including genetics, environment, socioeconomic conditions, physical activity, nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, medical care, chronic disease, and chance.
Genetics Is Only Part of the Story
Even if a genetic trait influences susceptibility to a particular disease, it does not determine an individual’s destiny.
Two people with exactly the same blood type can have completely different health outcomes.
One person may develop cardiovascular disease at a relatively young age, while another may remain healthy into their 90s. Their lifestyles, other genes, environment, medical history, and access to healthcare all matter.
This is why knowing your blood type can be useful medically, but it should not be viewed as a prediction of your lifespan.
What Can You Actually Do to Support Longevity?
Unlike blood type, many factors associated with healthy aging are things you can actively work on.
Stay Physically Active
Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, balance, and overall health.
Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
A diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish or other healthy protein sources, and minimally processed foods can support long-term health.
Don’t Smoke
Avoiding tobacco is one of the most important steps for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and several cancers.
Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol often have no obvious symptoms. Regular health checks can identify problems early.
Maintain Healthy Social Connections
Social relationships and engagement are also important components of healthy aging and overall well-being.
Get Appropriate Medical Care
Regular checkups and appropriate screening can help identify health problems before they become more serious.
The Bottom Line
Your blood type is an interesting part of your genetic makeup, and researchers continue to investigate its relationship with disease and aging.
However, there is currently no blood type that has been scientifically proven to make someone more likely to live to 100.
Some studies have reported intriguing associations, including one Japanese study that found type B was more common among centenarians. But larger research has found no significant association between ABO blood type and longevity, and studies from different populations have produced conflicting results.
So if you’re hoping to reach a healthy old age, don’t worry about whether your blood type is supposedly a “longevity type.” Focus instead on the factors that have a much broader impact on health: don’t smoke, stay active, eat well, manage cardiovascular risk factors, maintain healthy relationships, and get appropriate medical care.