Studies Indicate That Individuals With This Blood Type May Have a Higher Likelihood of Living to 100
Could your blood type influence longevity? Explore what research says about blood groups, healthy aging, disease risk, and reaching 100.
Introduction
What if something as simple as your blood type could be connected to how long you live?
It sounds surprising. After all, your blood type is something you’re born with. You can’t change it through diet, exercise, medication, or lifestyle.
Yet scientists have spent years studying whether the ABO blood-group system is associated with differences in disease risk, cardiovascular health, and longevity.
Some studies have reported intriguing connections.
One study of Japanese centenarians found that blood type B was more common among people who had reached 100 than among a comparison group, leading the researchers to suggest that type B might be associated with exceptional longevity.
But there’s an important catch.
Other research has found no statistically significant difference in blood-type frequencies between centenarians and middle-aged controls. A study involving more than 2,200 Chinese centenarians found no significant association between ABO blood type and longevity.
So, is there really a “longevity blood type”?
The answer is more complicated—and more interesting—than a simple yes or no.
Let’s look at what researchers actually know about blood type, aging, disease risk, and the possibility of reaching 100.
What Determines Your Blood Type?
The ABO blood-group system divides people into four major blood types:
- Type A
- Type B
- Type AB
- Type O
Your blood type is determined largely by inherited genetic variants in the ABO gene.
Type A has A antigens on red blood cells, type B has B antigens, type AB has both, and type O lacks A and B antigens on red blood cells.
There’s also the Rh system, which determines whether someone is positive or negative—for example, A-positive or O-negative.
But blood-group antigens aren’t simply labels used for blood transfusions.
Related molecules are also found on other cells and tissues, and researchers have discovered associations between ABO blood groups and several diseases.
That has raised an intriguing question:
Could those biological differences influence how people age?
The Blood Type Linked to Exceptional Longevity in One Study
One of the studies that generated interest examined people who had reached at least 100 years of age in Tokyo.
Researchers compared 269 centenarians with more than 7,000 people from the surrounding population.
The researchers reported that blood type B occurred more frequently among the centenarians than among the comparison group.
Among the centenarians:
- Type A: 34.2%
- Type O: 28.3%
- Type B: 29.4%
- Type AB: 8.2%
Among the comparison group:
- Type A: 38.6%
- Type O: 30.1%
- Type B: 21.9%
- Type AB: 9.4%
The difference involving type B was statistically significant in that particular study. The authors concluded that blood type B might be associated with exceptional longevity while emphasizing that the underlying mechanism needed further investigation.
That last point is crucial.
The study did not prove that having type B blood makes someone live longer.
It showed an association in one population.
But Another Study Told a Different Story
This is where the headline becomes more complicated.
Researchers later examined ABO genetic variants in a much larger group of Chinese centenarians.
The study included:
- 2,201 centenarians
- 2,330 middle-aged controls
Researchers compared the frequency of A, B, O, and AB blood groups between the two groups.
The results showed no statistically significant difference in the distribution of the four major blood types between centenarians and controls.
In other words, the researchers did not find evidence that one ABO blood type was substantially overrepresented among people who reached 100.
This is an important lesson in interpreting health research:
One interesting study isn’t the same as a scientific consensus.
When studies disagree, researchers need more evidence.
So, Does Blood Type Affect How Long You Live?
At this point, the most scientifically responsible answer is:
Possibly in indirect ways, but there is no established “blood type for longevity.”
Research suggests ABO blood groups are associated with certain health conditions.
However, longevity is extraordinarily complex.
How long someone lives can be influenced by:
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Physical activity
- Diet
- Body weight
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular health
- Cancer risk
- Social relationships
- Socioeconomic conditions
- Access to healthcare
- Environmental exposures
- Mental health
- Chance and other biological factors
Blood type is only one small biological characteristic among thousands of factors.
Why Are Scientists Interested in Blood Type?
The reason isn’t that blood type itself is thought to be a “longevity switch.”
Researchers are interested because ABO blood-group differences appear to correlate with certain biological processes.
For example, large studies have found associations between ABO blood groups and cardiovascular and thromboembolic outcomes.
One large analysis involving more than 400,000 people found that ABO blood groups were associated with multiple health and disease outcomes, particularly cardiovascular outcomes.
Other research has found that people with non-O blood types tend to have higher levels of certain clotting-related proteins than people with type O blood.
That may help explain why some studies have observed differences in the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular disease between O and non-O groups.
But again:
A difference in disease risk is not the same thing as a difference in lifespan.
Blood Type O Has an Interesting Cardiovascular Connection
If you’ve heard that type O is somehow “healthier,” there is a reason that idea has appeared in medical research.
Several studies have found that people with type O blood have a somewhat lower risk of certain cardiovascular and clotting-related outcomes compared with people who have non-O blood types.
For example, an analysis of 17 studies involving more than 225,000 participants found that blood group A was associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease, while blood group O was associated with a lower risk compared with other groups.
Another analysis found that non-O blood groups were associated with a modestly higher risk of coronary heart disease compared with blood group O.
That sounds impressive.
But there is an important distinction:
Lower risk of one disease does not automatically mean longer life.
A person’s overall lifespan depends on many conditions and circumstances.
What About Cancer?
Blood type has also been studied in relation to cancer.
A large meta-analysis published in 2014 examined 89 observational studies involving more than 100,000 cancer cases.
The researchers reported associations between blood type A and increased risk of several cancers, while blood type O was associated with lower risk for several cancer types.
Some of the associations were particularly notable for pancreatic and stomach cancers.
However, these findings should not be interpreted as:
“Type O prevents cancer.”
That’s not what the evidence shows.
These are statistical associations observed across populations.
An individual’s actual cancer risk depends on many other factors.
Why Blood Type Alone Can’t Predict Longevity
Imagine two people.
Person A
- Type B blood
- Smokes
- Rarely exercises
- Has uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Eats a poor-quality diet
- Avoids routine medical care
Person B
- Type O blood
- Doesn’t smoke
- Exercises regularly
- Maintains a healthy weight
- Manages blood pressure
- Gets recommended preventive care
- Maintains strong social connections
Could we confidently predict who will live longer based on blood type?
Absolutely not.
The difference between their lifestyle and health profiles is vastly more meaningful than simply knowing whether one is type B and the other is type O.
The Bigger Picture: What Do Centenarians Have in Common?
People who live to 100 are scientifically fascinating because they appear to demonstrate exceptional resilience against diseases associated with aging.
Researchers have studied centenarians around the world to understand what may contribute to extreme longevity.
Some common themes include:
Genetic advantages
Certain people inherit combinations of genetic variants that may reduce their susceptibility to particular diseases.
Healthy behaviors
Many long-lived people avoid smoking and maintain relatively healthy lifestyles.
Cardiovascular health
Avoiding or delaying heart disease and stroke can dramatically influence survival into advanced age.
Social connections
Relationships and social engagement have repeatedly been associated with healthy aging.
Adaptability
People who reach very old ages often demonstrate resilience in the face of physical, emotional, and social challenges.
The important point is that there is no single biological explanation for exceptional longevity.
Why Some Longevity Studies Produce Different Results
If one study finds that type B is more common among centenarians and another finds no meaningful association, how can both exist?
Several factors can contribute.
1. Population differences
Blood-type distributions vary between populations.
A finding in Japan may not necessarily apply to people in the United States, Europe, Africa, or other parts of Asia.
2. Sample size
A relatively small study can produce an interesting association that may not appear in a larger population.
3. Genetic differences
Different populations have different genetic backgrounds.
4. Environmental factors
Diet, healthcare, smoking patterns, socioeconomic conditions, and other environmental exposures can differ substantially.
5. Statistical chance
Sometimes an association appears in one dataset simply because of random variation.
That’s why researchers look for findings that can be reproduced.
A More Recent Perspective on ABO and Aging
Research using genetic data has added another layer to the story.
A large UK Biobank analysis involving more than 379,000 people of European ancestry examined ABO-related genetic variants and aging-associated outcomes.
The researchers found associations between ABO-related variants and several health characteristics.
But importantly, the study reported that blood type was not associated with parental lifespan or extreme parental longevity.
That makes it difficult to argue that a particular ABO blood type has been established as a predictor of reaching 100.
The science remains much more nuanced.
Could Blood Type Still Matter Indirectly?
Yes, and this is arguably the more interesting possibility.
Imagine that a particular blood group slightly changes someone’s statistical risk of developing a cardiovascular condition.
If that condition is more likely to occur earlier in life, the blood group could indirectly influence survival at the population level.
But the effect may be:
- Small
- Dependent on other genes
- Dependent on lifestyle
- Different between populations
- Relevant to specific diseases rather than aging itself
In other words, blood type may be one piece of the puzzle, rather than the answer to the puzzle.
What About Type B and Longevity?
Based on the famous centenarian study, type B is the blood group most directly connected with the idea of exceptional longevity.
But it would be misleading to say:
“Type B people are more likely to live to 100.”
A more accurate statement is:
“One study found that type B was more common among Japanese centenarians than among comparison groups, but other research has not confirmed a general association between ABO blood type and exceptional longevity.”
That’s a much less sensational statement—but it reflects the evidence better.
Does Having Type O Mean You’ll Live Longer?
Not necessarily.
Type O has been associated in several studies with lower risks of certain cardiovascular and clotting-related conditions compared with non-O blood groups.
However, other studies of longevity itself have not established that type O people live longer overall.
So if you’re type O, you shouldn’t assume you’ve inherited a longevity advantage.
And if you’re type A, B, or AB, there’s no reason to assume you’re destined for a shorter life.
The Most Important Longevity Factors Are Still Modifiable
This is where the conversation becomes much more useful.
You can’t choose your ABO blood type.
But you can influence many of the factors that have a much more practical relationship with long-term health.
Don’t smoke
Tobacco use is one of the most important preventable causes of disease and premature death.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the most meaningful health decisions you can make.
Stay physically active
Regular movement supports cardiovascular, metabolic, muscular, and mental health.
It doesn’t have to mean extreme workouts.
Walking, cycling, swimming, resistance training, and other activities can all contribute to an active lifestyle.
Maintain a healthy weight
Excess body weight is associated with numerous chronic diseases.
The goal shouldn’t be chasing an unrealistic body shape.
It’s about supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Manage blood pressure
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels for years without producing obvious symptoms.
Knowing your numbers and managing elevated blood pressure can make a meaningful difference.
Eat a balanced diet
A diet centered around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and other minimally processed foods can support long-term health.
Maintain social connections
Healthy aging isn’t only about physical health.
Meaningful relationships, social engagement, and a sense of purpose can also contribute to quality of life as people age.
Should You Get Your Blood Type Tested?
Knowing your blood type can be useful for medical reasons, particularly in situations involving blood transfusion or pregnancy-related care.
But you shouldn’t get tested because you believe a certain blood type will reveal how long you’ll live.
It can’t.
A blood-type result cannot tell you:
- Your exact life expectancy
- Whether you’ll develop cancer
- Whether you’ll have a heart attack
- Whether you’ll reach 100
- Whether you’re biologically “healthier” than someone else
It is one biological characteristic—not a crystal ball.
The Biggest Mistake: Confusing Association With Cause
This is one of the most important concepts when reading health headlines.
Suppose researchers discover:
People with blood type B were more common among a group of centenarians.
That doesn’t prove:
Blood type B caused those people to live longer.
There could be other explanations.
Maybe the association occurred because of another genetic factor.
Maybe environmental conditions differed.
Maybe the population was unusual.
Maybe the finding was statistical chance.
Or perhaps there really is a biological mechanism.
Researchers need additional studies to determine which explanation is correct.
What Science Says Right Now
Let’s put the evidence into perspective.
Finding 1: ABO blood groups are biologically meaningful.
Yes.
ABO blood groups are genetically determined and are associated with differences in several health outcomes.
Finding 2: Blood type has been associated with cardiovascular and clotting risk.
Yes.
Multiple observational studies and meta-analyses have reported associations, particularly involving O versus non-O blood groups.
Finding 3: Blood type has been associated with some cancer risks.
Yes.
Several studies and meta-analyses have reported associations between ABO blood groups and particular cancers.
Finding 4: One study found type B was more common among Japanese centenarians.
Yes.
Finding 5: Other studies have failed to confirm a general longevity advantage.
Also yes.
Research involving Chinese centenarians and UK Biobank participants did not establish a general association between ABO blood type and extreme longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which blood type is most associated with living to 100?
Type B received attention after a Japanese study found it was more common among centenarians than comparison groups. However, this finding has not established type B as a universal longevity blood type. Other studies have not found a significant association between ABO blood type and reaching extreme old age.
Does blood type determine life expectancy?
No. Blood type does not determine how long a person will live. Longevity is influenced by genetics, health conditions, lifestyle, environment, healthcare, and many other factors.
Is type O the healthiest blood type?
Not necessarily. Type O has been associated with lower risks of certain cardiovascular and clotting outcomes in some studies, but it also has different associations with other health conditions. No ABO blood type can accurately be labeled the “healthiest.”
Are people with type B more likely to reach 100?
There is insufficient evidence to make that claim generally. A Japanese study found a higher frequency of type B among its centenarian participants, but other research has not consistently reproduced the association.
Can changing my diet overcome my blood type?
Your diet cannot change your ABO blood type. Fortunately, your blood type does not prevent you from improving many important aspects of your health through lifestyle and appropriate medical care.
Is blood type genetic?
Yes. Your ABO blood type is inherited through genes from your parents.
Should people with type A worry about cancer?
No. Some studies have found statistical associations between type A and certain cancers, but an association does not mean that having type A blood causes cancer. Individual risk depends on many factors.
Can blood type predict whether I’ll have heart disease?
No. Blood type may be associated with differences in cardiovascular risk at the population level, but it cannot predict whether a particular person will develop heart disease.
What’s more important for longevity: blood type or lifestyle?
For practical health decisions, lifestyle and management of major health risks are far more actionable than your ABO blood type. Don’t use your blood type as a reason to ignore blood pressure, smoking, physical activity, nutrition, or preventive healthcare.
The idea of a “longevity blood type” makes for a fascinating headline—and the research behind it is genuinely interesting.
One study of Japanese centenarians found that type B blood was more common among people who had reached 100, suggesting a possible connection between type B and exceptional longevity.
But science doesn’t end with one intriguing result.
Other research, including a study of more than 2,200 Chinese centenarians, found no significant difference in ABO blood-group distribution between centenarians and controls. A large UK Biobank analysis also found no association between ABO blood type and parental lifespan or extreme parental longevity.
Meanwhile, substantial research does suggest that ABO blood groups are associated with certain cardiovascular, clotting, and cancer risks.
So the most accurate conclusion is not that one blood type holds the secret to reaching 100.
It’s this:
Your blood type may influence certain aspects of disease risk, but it does not determine your destiny.
If you want to improve your odds of living a long, healthy life, focus on the factors you can actually change: don’t smoke, stay physically active, eat well, maintain a healthy weight, monitor important health numbers, get appropriate preventive care, and maintain meaningful relationships.
And if future research eventually uncovers a clearer connection between ABO genetics and exceptional longevity, it could provide scientists with another fascinating piece of the aging puzzle.
For now, your blood type may be interesting.
But your everyday choices matter far more.