THE fact that over the last 50 years, the average life expectancy rate in Cuba has increased by 20 years – in some countries more – demonstrates that two determining factors of longevity are habits and the environment.

That statement by Dr. Luis Herrera Martínez, director of Cuba’s Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Center, is based on the fact that the human being of 50 years ago, as a rational animal, is exactly the same as the one of today. "He or she has not evolved as an animal, given that the multiple generations needed to register a differentiated evolution have not passed," he explains.

Dr. Herrera Martínez confirms that an advance as important as living 20 years longer in just half a century shows that environmental factors are decisive to the possibility of obtaining a functional and effective longevity in the years to come.

It is highly important to emphasize that living habits and the environment have a 75-80% impact as factors determining longevity. Thus, they are the elements on which this very correct campaign for a longer life – not just chronologically, but in quality – will be based, he says. He adds that nutrition, exercise and a positive attitude are among the factors contributing to taking care of one’s health.

The medical system in Cuba is favorable to the goal of reaching the age of 120. Its results can be seen in the new generations protected by vaccines against three illnesses, Dr. Herrera Martínez explains. People in Cuba do not know what it is to be sick with measles, whooping cough or hepatitis B. The vaccine against the last one eliminates chronic hepatitis and hepatic cirrhosis, among other diseases.

The Cuban population, which has practically 100% medical coverage, realizes the truth in that making comparisons to other countries, Dr. Herrera Martínez says. He insists that good living habits and adequate hygienic conditions, added to the Cuban health care system are what has made possible a life expectancy of 76 years, the highest in the Third World and among many developed countries. With those advantages, Cuba has the possibility of attaining a life expectancy of 120 years, he affirms.

Referring to the prolongation of life, he indicates that genetic elements related to biotechnology are becoming a recurrent factor.

Nevertheless, Dr. Herrera Martínez does not think that this should be a particular motive for ecstasy among the population. "They are factors that should be considered a reserve element to steadily increase possibilities for the population," he says. However, he adds that citizens have to understand that their behavior, their habits, their decisions and a willingness to include all these elements are decisive to achieving a higher life expectancy and a higher quality of life during the years up to 120.