Longevity is not determined by genetics alone. One of the strongest predictors of how long—and how well—you will live is which illnesses you have managed to avoid. When someone reaches their 60s, 70s, or even 80s without certain chronic conditions, it’s a powerful sign that their body systems are still working in harmony, with resilience and the ability to repair themselves.

There are five major diseases that most often shorten life after age 60. If you do not have them, you are already on a favorable path toward a long, active life.

1. Heart disease

The heart is the body’s central engine. When it weakens, other organs soon follow. Most heart problems don’t appear suddenly—they develop slowly over many years due to high blood pressure, stiffened arteries, and impaired circulation.

If you’ve passed age 60 without heart attacks, serious rhythm disorders, or coronary disease, it suggests your arteries remain flexible, your blood flows efficiently, and your heart is not under excessive strain.

A strong heart also supports memory, energy levels, and emotional balance. When circulation is healthy, aging throughout the body slows down.

2. Diabetes