María Branyas Morera, pictured with scientist Manel Esteller, took part in a study to help researchers understand her longevity.
Manel Esteller
From January 17, 2023, to August 19, 2024, María Branyas Morera from Spain claimed the title of the world’s oldest person, living to the remarkable age of 117 years and 168 days. To unlock the secrets behind her astounding longevity, a dedicated research team conducted an extensive analysis of her genetics, microbiome, and lifestyle.
During her 116th year, various samples—including blood, saliva, and stool—were collected from Morera to investigate her genetic makeup. “Her genome was exceptional, enriched with variants linked to increased lifespan in other species such as dogs, worms, and fruit flies,” explains Manel Esteller, a member of the research team from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona, Spain.
Notably, Morera exhibited no signs of dementia and possessed numerous gene variants that maintain low blood lipid levels, which not only safeguard her heart but also support cognitive functions. Esteller remarks, “Additionally, she lacked gene variations connected to diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and metabolic disorders.”
Blood analysis revealed that her lipid metabolism was remarkably efficient, showcasing one of the best lipid profiles reported in scientific literature, with extremely low cholesterol levels. “This can be attributed to her frugal diet supplemented by genes that rapidly metabolize harmful substances,” adds Esteller.
Morera maintained a lifestyle free from alcohol and smoking, adhering firmly to a Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and olive oil, alongside consuming three servings of plain, sugar-free yogurt daily.
Furthermore, the tests indicated that Morera possessed an immune system that stayed effective well into her advanced age, complemented by a gut microbiome that resembled that of a significantly younger individual.
One of the most surprising findings highlighted the elevated levels of Actinobacteriota bacteria in her gut, particularly the renowned probiotic Bifidobacterium. Typically, these bacteria decline with age, but they show higher concentrations in centenarians and supercentenarians, likely offering several anti-aging benefits such as inflammation reduction.
The researchers speculate that Morera’s regular yogurt intake may have consistently replenished her Bifidobacterium levels. “This suggests that dietary modifications might not only help in avoiding obesity and related diseases but could also play a role in prolonging life by influencing the gut microbiome,” Esteller notes.
Ultimately, the scientists endeavored to assess whether Morera’s biological age markedly differed from her chronological age. They accomplished this by constructing an epigenetic clock based on the methylation of her DNA, a process involving the addition or removal of chemical tags that regulate gene activity. “Her biological age averaged 23 years younger than her chronological age—one reason for her longevity,” states Esteller.
Prior investigations have indicated that supercentenarians might harbor genetic variants linked to various health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular problems, yet they discover means to endure them, which results in extraordinary life spans. Esteller mentions, “There exist very few studies focused on supercentenarians, and most have examined only one dimension, like the microbiome. Our study illustrates that the ability to overcome such ailments stems from a synergy of beneficial genetics and other factors: a healthy microbiome, a biological age reflecting a younger epigenome, a robust immune system, and positive lifestyle choices—such as not smoking, avoiding alcohol, and following a low-fat diet.”
Richard Faragher, from the University of Brighton in the UK, acknowledges that this study showcases the numerous methodologies accessible to longevity researchers. However, he warns that studying a single individual comes with risks; uncommon genetic variants can too easily be exaggerated into misleading narratives about their significance to aging.
He further elaborates, suggesting two primary explanations for the survival of exceptionally long-lived individuals: “Firstly, there is likely something unique about them, genetically speaking, and secondly, there might simply be an element of luck involved,” says Faragher.
To counter the notion that Morera’s longevity is merely a result of luck, evidence of family history indicating prolonged lifespans is needed, which this study does not address, he claims.
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