The Genetics of the Relation between Late Reproduction and Longevity: Findings from the European Royalty (1650-1939)

Ulrich Mueller, University of Marburg
Klaus Erdt, University of Marburg

Studies of human females - but less so of males - confirmed experimental findings of a direct correlation between longevity and late reproduction in animals. Still, the direction of causality remains unclear: whether people with a potential of longevity reproduce later, or whether late reproduction makes life longer. Here, vital data of relatives, are indispensable in order to control for genetic influences. Only very few studies have such information. Here, we present findings from an own dataset of all live births in the European Royalty between January 1, 1650 and December 31, 1939 (n=1766). Completeness and quality of demographic information is excellent. The genetics of the relation between late reproduction and longevity has not been studied yet in nobility data sets. We found, that, although a common genetical basis for both traits is likely, the event of a first child late in life indeed makes the life of parents longer.