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What is the ecology of aging? Unpacking the environmental and social factors affecting longevity

According to a 2025 study, environmental factors may be responsible for up to 17% of the variation in mortality risk, far outweighing genetic factors in their impact on longevity. This statistic underscores a core concept in the field of gerontology: the ecology of aging, which examines the dynamic interplay between an individual and their environment over a lifetime. This ecological perspective moves beyond genetics to consider how external conditions shape the aging process and healthspan.