By Samantha Leathers

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Before Maria Branyas Morera passed away in August 2024 at the age of 117 years and 168 days, scientists gathered blood, saliva, urine and stool samples from her to examine as they hoped to discover the genetic secret to extreme longevity. Now, the findings have been published in the Cell Reports Medicine journal. The researchers discovered that whilst her body displayed the molecular signs of ageing, she was free from any major age-related diseases and had a biological age approximately 23 years younger than her actual age of 117. She also possessed certain genetic variations which provided her with protection against typical age-related conditions such as inflammation. Compared to the general population and her own long-lived peers, Maria’s epigenome profile and microbiome was more comparable to younger people than her contemporaries. This may have been determined by her genetics or could have been affected by her personal lifestyle decisions. The experts concluded: “Overall, these data suggest that one of the reasons that our supercentenarian reached such a world record age was that her cells ‘felt’ or ‘behaved’ as younger cells.” It remains uncertain whether all of these elements were purely down to her genes or had been shaped by her lifestyle habits. For instance, Maria’s diet contained large quantities of yoghurt, which the scientists observed is linked with reduced body weight and risk of type two diabetes. They believe this aspect of her diet might have played a role in her healthy ageing but cannot confirm it as this would have required numerous samples being gathered from her across several years. The researchers determined that Maria’s continued wellbeing into extraordinary old age demonstrates that ageing doesn’t necessarily have to be fundamentally linked to declining health. Through specific genetic characteristics, the scientists observed that in particular circumstances like Maria’s, this link can be broken. Nevertheless, they also suggested future studies should examine bigger groups of people who have reached extreme old age and test focused lifestyle changes to see how this impacts their lifespan. Such as nutritional modifications, physical activity and metabolic treatments. Maria was born in San Francisco in 1907 and relocated to Spain at the age of eight where she remained for the rest of her days. Whilst the number of people surviving beyond their 100th birthday is growing, reaching the 110 milestone remains an exceptionally rare achievement. Those who do survive past 110 are known as supercentenarians. The Guinness World Records website quotes Maria as stating the secret to her longevity was a mixture of habits and principles including: “Order, tranquility, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity and staying away from toxic people”. Maria famously abstained from alcohol and cigarettes whilst consuming three yoghurts daily alongside her regular meals. She had a passion for fruit and vegetables and took daily strolls. The 117 year old acknowledged that fortune contributed to her remarkable lifespan, with Guinness World Records documenting her words: “I think longevity is also about being lucky. Luck and good genetics.”