Gaby
The record of María Branyas has officially been recognized by experts from the Guinness World Records. To uncover how Ms. María managed to live such a long life, scientists from the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute in Spain analyzed all aspects of her health, from genes and proteins to her microbiome and metabolism.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
María was a supercentenarian—a person who has reached the age of 110 or older. This is a remarkable achievement. Only about one in ten people who celebrate their 100th birthday live for another ten years.
Using a variety of analytical methods and studying Ms. María’s lifetime surveys, researchers found that she adhered to many recommendations associated with healthy aging and longevity.
For instance, she led a mentally, socially, and physically active lifestyle, spending time with family and friends. As is well known, all these factors help stave off dementia. Ms. María also maintained a healthy diet, favoring the Mediterranean diet, which medical experts consider a key to a longer life.
The researchers noted that Ms. María had a fondness for yogurt. Her diet promoted the development of healthy gut bacteria. Furthermore, her gut microbiome exhibited characteristics typical of a much younger person, according to Science Alert.
“Microorganisms play a crucial role not only in determining the composition of our body’s metabolites but also in inflammation, gut permeability, cognitive functions, as well as bone and muscle health,” the scientists stated.
The genes of the centenarian were linked to a stronger immune system, better protection against heart disease, and a reduced risk of cancer.
The study authors also examined DNA methylation—a chemical marking mechanism that influences gene expression. Since this mechanism is affected by environmental stresses, it is often used to assess biological age.
“Notably, all age-determining algorithms based on DNA methylation yielded the same result. Our centenarian demonstrated a biological age that was significantly younger than her chronological age,” the researchers explained.
Another factor the researchers focused on was Ms. María’s highly efficient metabolism. It helped her eliminate “bad” cholesterol while increasing “good” cholesterol levels and reducing the likelihood of inflammation.
Ms. María attributed her longevity to “an orderly life and a pleasant environment.” However, her phenomenon is likely the result of multiple factors. While most people do not become centenarians, this research helps us understand that we can give our bodies the best chance for healthy aging without disease.
“The picture that emerges from our research shows that extreme old age and poor health are not inherently linked, and that both processes can be distinguished and analyzed at the molecular level,” the team noted.
