Rapidly increasing numbers of older people present many countries with growing social and economic challenges. Yet despite the far-reaching implications of ageing, its biological basis remains a topic of much debate. Recent advances in genomics have spurred research on ageing and lifespan in human populations, adding to extensive genetic studies being carried out in model organisms. But how far is ageing controlled by our genes? In this Viewpoint, six experts present their opinions and comment on future directions in ageing research.