I recently chuckled when seeing the t-shirt with -
"If I had known I'd live this long I'd have taken better care of this body" !!
I do think there are two factors that really affect folks - genetics and lifestyle. The former is hard to change of course and I have seen people way younger than me looking way older than their years, despite seemingly ''living right'' and equally - folks looking way younger than their age, even with seemingly leading a very lax lifestyle. This aspect is ''luck of the draw'' stuff.
Lifestyle is a biggie and so nutrition, home area/environment and work all play a part. Eating badly, living in an area with pollution and climatic handicaps, and then work stresses or physical overload - all can lead to faster aging and even early deterioration into disease. Some extreme athletes too IMO ''burn out'' early and all but guarantee premature aging.
I am told I look no more than 55, despite being 61 but hey - maybe some people are just complimetary! At 6'.00'' and 200# I am not in bad shape considering I do not work out as such but - do have a fierce metabolism and so burn up energy fast - poor mpg's
But judging by other cases - I have no guarantees, still smoke a pipe - might keel over tomorrow. Just don't know. Scares the crap outa me seeing folks of mid 40's in the obits !
Always been very aware too of aging being often non-linear - almost going in steps. Someone looks the same almost 20 thru 40 and then suddenly inside of a year - shows age dramatically - then stops and stays same another decade or two. For others - much more smoothly progressive. Some people I'll swear are born old - others stay bay faced until quite old. Such diversity.
One thing I do know - this old bod does not obey orders quite same - and I have to work within my limitations - see them for what they are and adapt. Most centegenarians I have seen I think have the genetic advantage. Guy on a commercial on TV recently - aged 100 and still performs with his trumpet in public - amazing he has lungs able to do that.
Enough - I ramble as always.