Lifespan is a complex phenotype determined by the interaction of genetic and
environmental factors. This makes the identification of variants in genes that influence
longevity challenging. We believe that the Old Order Amish (OOA) of Lancaster,
Pennsylvania is an excellent population for studying the genetics of longevity. They are a
closed population derived from a limited number of founders. They have large families and
maintain extensive genealogic records dating to the 1700s. They eschew modern …