The tendency for smart people to live longer is down to their genes, scientists have revealed for the first time. Researchers analysing data from twins found that 95 per cent of the link between intelligence and life expectancy is genetic. They found that, the brighter twin tends to live longer and noted the pattern was much more pronounced in fraternal - non identical - twins, than identical pairs. By looking at both fraternal twins - who only share half their twin's DNA - with identical twins, helps researchers distinguish between genetic effects and environmental factors, including housing, schooling and childhood nutrition. Rosalind Arden, a research associate at the London School of Economics, said: 'We know that children who score higher in IQ-type tests are prone to living longer. 'Also, people at the top of an employment hierarchy, such as senior civil servants, tend to be long-lived. 'But, in both cases, we have not understood why.''Our research shows that the link between intelligence and longer life is mostly genetic.
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