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The study of centenarians has been crucial in longevity research, highlighting which habits contribute to a longer life.
Maria Branyas Morera, once the world’s oldest person, had cells that functioned as if they were 17 years younger than her actual age, scientists have discovered. The US-born woman died in Spain last August at 117 years old.
Maria Branyas Morera died at the age of 117
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A groundbreaking study of her microbiome and DNA revealed the remarkable cellular youthfulness that contributed to her longevity.
The research, led by University of Barcelona genetics professor Manel Esteller, represents one of the most complete studies on a supercentenarian to date.
Branyas retained her lucidity until almost the end of her life, with her ailments largely limited to joint pain and hearing loss.
The study into what was described as Branyas’s “privileged genome” was first reported by the Catalan newspaper Ara after researchers found her gut microbiota mirrored that of an infant.
This microbiota primarily refers to the bacteria in people’s guts that play a role in keeping them healthy.
Researchers noted Branyas made healthy lifestyle choices that complemented her unique genetic makeup, proving possible explanations for the exceptional longevity that marks some lives in particular.
She reportedly adhered to a Mediterranean diet that included three yoghurts daily and avoided drinking alcohol and smoking throughout her life.
Regular walks formed part of her physical activity routine. Branyas constantly surrounded herself with family and loved ones.
These habits helped her stave off both physical and mental declines that could have shortened her life.
The scientists concluded these lifestyle factors allowed her to take full advantage of her exceptional genetic profile. Branyas herself once attributed her longevity to “luck and good genetics”.
Maria consumed three yoghurts daily
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“I think longevity is also being lucky,” she said, expressing herself later in life with a voice-to-text device.
Professor Esteller and his colleagues hope the study provides useful information for developing medications and treatments for age-related illnesses.
They said Branyas exemplified how ageing and sickness do not necessarily have to go hand-in-hand.
The results “challenge the perception that [the two] are inexorably linked”, according to Spain’s EFE news service.
Branyas died on 19 August at a nursing home in Olot, north-eastern Spain.