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 even extreme old age doesn’t always mean the brain declines or illnesses pile up.
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 aging, several biological factors shielded her from the diseases that typically affect people in their final years.
“The usual pattern is that we get sicker as we age, but she was an exception, and we wanted to know why,” explained Dr. Manel Esteller from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona. “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 uncover the secrets of her 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 create a detailed biological profile. They examined her genetics, gene activity, blood proteins, metabolic byproducts, and the diversity of her gut bacteria.
Among their findings, they discovered that the protective caps on her chromosomes, called telomeres, were extremely short—a clear sign of cellular aging. Her immune system also showed signs of aging and inflammation, and she had mutations that can lead to leukemia.
However, Branyas was remarkably resilient. Esteller noted that her very short telomeres may have protected her from cancer by limiting cell division. Genetic variants also helped shield her heart and brain from disease and dementia. She had low inflammation, reducing her risk of cancer and diabetes, and efficient cholesterol and fat metabolism. “These factors are crucial because they’re linked to the illnesses that typically affect and ultimately kill older people,” Esteller said.
Using epigenetic clocks to measure biological age based on gene expression patterns, the team found that Branyas 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 weren’t the only reason for her long life. Branyas maintained a healthy weight, ate plenty of yogurt, avoided smoking and drinking, and had an active social life with friends and family nearby—all of which likely contributed, Esteller said.
He hopes this detailed data will help scientists develop new treatments to keep people healthy as they age.He said, “Perhaps drugs can mimic the effects of good genes. Maria was blessed with excellent genes from her parents, 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 identify the specific genes linked to extreme longevity and healthy aging, it might 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
FAQs Supercentenarians Secrets to a Long Life
Q1 What exactly is a supercentenarian
A A supercentenarian is a person who has lived to be 110 years old or older
Q2 What are the most common secrets they revealed
A While it varies common themes often include a positive outlook a strong sense of community a simple and mostly plantbased diet 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 supercentenarians themselves almost always emphasize lifestyle and attitude as the keys to staying healthy for that long
Q4 Did they follow a specific diet or fad
A Typically no They generally ate simple homecooked meals often from their own gardens Moderation was keythey ate until they were satisfied not stuffed and consumed very little processed food
Q5 What kind of exercise did they do
A It was rarely formal exercise like going to a gym Instead they stayed active through daily chores gardening walking everywhere and having a purpose that kept them moving naturally
Q6 How important was their social life
A Extremely important Strong connections with family friends and their community were consistently highlighted as crucial for mental and emotional wellbeing which directly impacts physical health
Q7 Did they avoid doctors and medicine
A Not necessarily Many received modern medical care when needed The secret is that their healthy lifestyle likely prevented many chronic illnesses so they needed less intervention overall
Q8 What can I start doing today to live a longer healthier life
A Focus on small sustainable changes add more vegetables to your meals take a daily walk prioritize sleep nurture your relationships and try to manage stress through activities you enjoy
Q9 Whats the biggest takeaway from their advice
A That a long healthy life isnt about a single magic pill but a consistent pattern of good habits a positive mindset and staying connected to others
