People with this blood type age more slowly

Let’s look at what researchers have discovered, how blood type might affect health, and what actually helps slow the ageing process.

1. Is blood type O the secret to slower ageing?

Blood type O (O+ or O−)

Blood type O is often mentioned in social media posts claiming that some people age more slowly. But there is no reliable evidence that people with type O develop wrinkles later, maintain youthful skin longer, or have a slower overall biological ageing rate.

Africa Check

Blood type is determined by inherited markers on red blood cells. The ABO system includes four main groups:

• A: A antigen

• B: B antigen

• AB: Both A and B antigens

• O: Neither A nor B antigen

The positive or negative sign, such as O+ or O−, refers to the Rh blood group system.

These differences matter for blood transfusions and are associated with certain health risks. However, they do not determine how young or old your body looks.

2. What does research say about each blood type?

Type O

• Sometimes claimed to be associated with slower ageing.

• Research indicates lower average levels of certain clotting factors compared with non-O groups.

• No proven advantage in slowing skin ageing or overall biological ageing.

  

  UK Biobank

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Type A

• Associated with some differences in cardiovascular and other disease risks.

• Some older studies reported a higher proportion of type A among particular older populations.

• This does not prove that type A individuals age more slowly.

  

  PubMed Central (PMC)

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Type B

• Some studies have examined possible links with longevity.

• Findings conflict: one hospital study found poorer survival in type B patients, while other research has reported different patterns.

• There is no reliable basis for calling type B a fast- or slow-ageing blood type.

  

  PubMed

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Type AB

• Has its own pattern of associations with certain health conditions.

• There is insufficient evidence that type AB predicts a longer lifespan or slower ageing.

• The available longevity research is limited.

  

  PubMed Central (PMC)

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3. Why might blood type affect ageing-related health?

Blood type can influence some biological processes, but that is different from proving that it slows ageing.

• Blood clotting: People with non-O blood types generally have higher levels of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII, which help blood clot. This is associated with differences in clotting and cardiovascular risk.

  

  PMC

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• Inflammation: Researchers are investigating how blood-group genes might relate to inflammatory processes. It has not been established that type O automatically means less inflammation or slower ageing.

  

  Africa Check

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• Immune function: Blood-group antigens can influence interactions between the body and some pathogens. However, no blood type is universally best for immunity or longevity.

  

  PubMed

• Age-related diseases: Differences in cardiovascular risk can indirectly affect healthy lifespan, but these differences do not tell us how quickly a person’s skin, brain, or entire body ages.

  

  UK Biobank

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4. What actually helps people age more slowly?

The factors below have much stronger evidence behind them than blood type.

1. Protect your skin from the sun. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds. UV exposure is a major contributor to premature skin ageing.

2. Sleep consistently. Most adults need around 7–9 hours of sleep each night.

3. Eat a balanced diet. Prioritize vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, healthy fats, and adequate protein.

4. Exercise regularly. Combine aerobic activity with strength training to preserve muscle, mobility, and cardiovascular health.

5. Avoid smoking. Smoking accelerates skin ageing and increases the risk of many chronic diseases.

6. Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Prevention and early treatment can reduce the risk of conditions that shorten healthy life.

7. Maintain social connections and manage stress. Mental well-being and social support are important parts of healthy ageing.

These habits cannot stop ageing, but they can help preserve health and function as you get older.

5. Can a blood test tell you whether you are ageing slowly?

Not from your blood type alone. Researchers study several possible measures of biological ageing, including DNA methylation patterns (sometimes called epigenetic clocks), blood-based biomarkers, and organ-function measures. These tests have limitations and do not provide a definitive measure of how long an individual will live.

The bottom line: No blood type—O, A, B, or AB—has been proven to make people age more slowly. Blood type may influence some health risks, but genetics, lifestyle, environment, and medical care are much more useful considerations for healthy ageing.

Would you like to learn more about one particular aspect?