Dame Joan Collins, the 90-year-old actor, might have been right when she said, “age is just a number.” A groundbreaking study of a supercentenarian shows that it’s possible to live to an extremely old age without the brain failing or common illnesses taking over.
Spanish doctors performed extensive tests on Maria Branyas Morera, who was the world’s oldest person before she passed away at 117 last year. They found that while her body showed clear signs of advanced age, several biological factors shielded her from the diseases that usually affect people in their final years.
Dr. Manel Esteller from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona explained, “Usually, the older we get, the sicker we become. But she was an exception, and we wanted to know why. For the first time, we’ve been able to separate being old from being sick.”
Before her death, Branyas agreed to be studied to help understand her remarkable longevity. Born in San Francisco in 1907, she moved to Catalonia in 1915 and lived through two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, and the COVID-19 pandemic, recovering from the virus at age 113.
Esteller and his team analyzed blood, saliva, urine, and stool samples collected a year before Branyas died to get a detailed look at her biology. They examined her genetics, gene activity, blood proteins, metabolic byproducts, and gut bacteria.
Among their findings, they discovered that the protective caps on her chromosomes, called telomeres, were extremely short—a sign of cellular aging. Her immune system also showed signs of aging and inflammation, and she had mutations that could lead to leukemia.
However, Branyas was well protected in other ways. Esteller noted that her very short telomeres may have limited cell division, reducing her risk of cancer. Genetic variants helped protect her heart and brain from disease and dementia. She also had low inflammation, which lowered her chances of cancer and diabetes, and her body processed cholesterol and fats efficiently. “These factors are crucial because they’re linked to illnesses that often prove fatal in old age,” Esteller said.
Using epigenetic clocks to estimate her biological age based on gene expression, the team found she was biologically 10 to 15 years younger than her actual age. Her gut microbiome was also unusually youthful, with high levels of beneficial Bifidobacterium.
But genetics wasn’t the only reason for her long life. Branyas maintained a healthy weight, ate plenty of yogurt, avoided smoking and alcohol, and had an active social life with friends and family nearby—all of which likely contributed to her health.
Esteller hopes this detailed information will help scientists develop new ways to keep people healthy as they age.He said, “Perhaps drugs can mimic the effects of good genes. Maria’s parents passed on excellent genes to her, but we don’t get to choose our parents.”
Professor João Pedro de Magalhães from the University of Birmingham added, “Studying these exceptionally long-lived individuals could reveal how to age more gracefully. If we can identify the specific genes linked to extreme longevity and healthy aging, it may uncover the mechanisms behind aging and point to targets for developing treatments that help everyone live longer, healthier lives.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about a supercentenarian revealing their secrets to a long healthy life
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 What exactly is a supercentenarian
A A supercentenarian is a person who has lived to the age of 110 or older
Q2 What are the most common secrets they shared for a long life
A While it varies common themes often include a positive outlook a strong sense of community a simple diet rich in whole foods staying physically active in daily life and not smoking or drinking excessively
Q3 Is it mostly about genetics
A Genetics play a significant role in reaching such an extreme age but the secrets often focus on lifestyle choices that help maximize their genetic potential and avoid diseases
Q4 Did they follow a specific diet or eat special superfoods
A Most did not follow fad diets They typically ate modest portions of homecooked meals with plenty of vegetables legumes and whole grains Processed foods were rarely a part of their diet
Q5 What kind of exercise did they do
A They often didnt go to a gym Their exercise was built into daily life walking gardening housework and staying generally active and mobile
Q6 How important was their mental attitude
A Extremely important Many displayed remarkable resilience a positive outlook low stress levels and a strong sense of purpose or curiosity about life
Q7 What about social connections
A Having strong positive relationships with family friends and their community was a nearly universal factor It provides emotional support and a reason to stay engaged with the world
Q8 Did any of them smoke or drink alcohol
A The vast majority were nonsmokers Some cultures reported moderate regular consumption of alcohol but heavy drinking was uncommon
Q9 Can following these secrets guarantee Ill live to 110
A No there are no guarantees with longevity However adopting these habits can significantly increase your chances of living a longer healthier life by reducing the risk of chronic diseases
Q10 Whats the biggest takeaway from their advice
