A recent analysis of Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to 117 years old, offers insight into what helps people age healthily. Researchers looked at her genetics, microbiome, metabolism, and immunity.
Maria was the oldest verified living person from January 2023 to August 2024. Born in San Francisco and later moving to Spain, she lived in Catalonia, where the average life expectancy for women is 86. Yet, Maria outlived that by over 30 years, sparking interest in how her body resisted age-related issues.
In a study published in Cell Reports Medicine, researchers did a thorough analysis of Maria’s biology, focusing on her blood, saliva, urine, and stool samples. They compared her data with younger individuals to pinpoint factors that allow for extreme longevity.
Some key findings included low inflammation levels, a youthful microbiome, and efficient metabolism. Surprisingly, Maria had short telomeres—usually associated with aging—yet remained in good health. This suggests that telomere length might not always indicate overall well-being.
The researchers also found unique genetic variants linked to strong immune function and cardiovascular health. They noted that while Maria didn’t have the commonly studied longevity gene FOXO3A, she possessed various rare alleles that worked together to promote health.
Her immune system showed a surprising resilience, marked by a higher number of certain immune cells typical of younger individuals. Likewise, her metabolism revealed favorable lipid levels, lowering her risks for heart disease and other age-related illnesses.
Interestingly, Maria’s gut microbiome included higher counts of Bifidobacterium, a beneficial bacterium known to decrease inflammation. This aligns with her daily yogurt intake, which may have helped nurture this friendly microbe.
Epigenetic testing showed that her biological age was about 23 years younger than her chronological age. This indicates a slower aging process, underscoring the complex relationship between aging and health.
The researchers believe that a combination of genetics, a balanced microbiome, and healthy lifestyle choices can decouple aging from disease, preserving health well into old age. As more people reach their centenarian years, understanding what allows some to thrive can guide future studies and health strategies.
It’s crucial to continue exploring the mysteries of aging. Larger studies on supercentenarians, along with lifestyle and environmental factors, can unveil more about maintaining health as we age. For more insights on longevity, check out the National Institutes of Health.
In conclusion, Maria Branyas Morera’s life offers valuable lessons on resilience and well-being, inspiring future research into the secrets of long, healthy lives.
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Genetics, Aging, Blood, Cardiovascular Disease, Cell, Cholesterol, DNA, Genes, Genetic, Genome, Genomic, Hematopoiesis, immunity, Inflammation, Life Expectancy, Medicine, Metabolism, Microbiome, Multiomics, Telomere
