The researchers compared more than 2,300 people who had a parent who lived to at least 100 with around 2,700 people whose parents lived to no more than 85.
The participants came from three long-term studies conducted in New York City, elsewhere in the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The results were published in JAMA Network Open on August 26, according to HealthDay.
The researchers do not yet know which inherited traits might explain the differences. The study was not designed to identify specific genes or other biological causes.
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Does not apply to all diseases
Although the researchers found clear differences between the groups, these did not apply to all diseases.
Among other things, no clear protective effect against cancer or stroke was found.
The researchers also emphasize that a healthy lifestyle remains important.
The findings therefore do not mean that parents' lifespan alone determines how healthy a person will be or how long they will live.
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By studying families in which several members live exceptionally long lives, the researchers hope to learn more about what may protect the body against diseases that often occur with age.
A lower risk
The largest difference was found among people with a parent who had lived to at least 100.
They had a 42 percent lower risk of dying at any given age compared with the other group.
Their risk of heart disease was also 33 percent lower, while their risk of high blood pressure was 32 percent lower.
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On average, they lived around three years longer and developed high blood pressure about five years later.
According to the study, the findings therefore suggest that exceptional longevity and certain health benefits may run in families.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.