This will end up being very costly to the aging individual and to our society as a whole. (NewsRx Health, 2014)In conclusion, based on my own family history and research, I believe that genes are a major factor in life expectancy and chronic disease. Currently, there are ways to slow or stop certain illnesses if people adopt a healthy approach to life. This is not the case for everyone, but the change in lifestyle has an impact on disease and life expectancy. I hope that one day not so far away, new remedies and medicines will become available to eliminate all diseases and extend life even further. References: Murabito, Joanne M., Yuan, Rong and Lunetta, Kathryn L. (2012). The search for longevity and healthy aging genes: insights from epidemiological studies and samples of long-lived individuals. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 67A 470 -479. Chronic disease; proposed strategy to prevent age-related diseases. (2014). NewsRx Health, , 107. Schaie, KW and Willis, SL (2002). Adult development and aging (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice