Extreme old age does not necessarily mean being plagued by diseases, science deciphers the bodily mechanisms of a 117-year-old’s “defying aging”

Spanish scientists have conducted an unprecedentedly in-depth biological analysis of Maria Branyas Morera, former the WORLD’S OLDEST LIVING PERSON that verified by Guinness World Records, revealing the key secrets to her extreme longevity and disease-free life. Born in San Francisco, California, USA on 4 March 1907 and later moving to Catalonia, Spain, she passed away on 19 August 2024 at the age of 117 years and 168 days, having never suffered from cancer, cardiovascular disease, or dementia.

“The general rule is that people become weaker and more prone to illness with age, but she is an exception,” said Dr. Manel Esteller of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Spain. “This is the first time we have been able to distinguish between ‘old age’ and ‘illness’.”

The research team comprehensively examined her DNA, gene activity, proteins, metabolites, and gut microbiota through blood, saliva, urine, and fecal samples. The results revealed a paradox: she did exhibit extreme signs of aging—abnormally short telomeres on her chromosomes, an aging and inflammatory immune system, and even gene mutations that could lead to leukemia—yet she also possessed a strong protective mechanism.

The most crucial discovery was her “biological defiance.” Epigenetic clocks showed that her biological age was 10-23 years younger than her actual age; her lipid metabolism was near perfect—extremely low LDL cholesterol and extremely high HDL cholesterol; her systemic inflammatory markers were unusually low; and her gut microbiome was rich in Bifidobacteria, a trait typically found only in young people.

Genetic analysis revealed that she was born with a rare mutation that protects heart and brain cells and enhances immune function, while lacking risk genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease; her mitochondria are abnormally strong, allowing her whole body systems to function in a coordinated manner.

However, longevity is not solely determined by genes. Maintaining an ideal weight, regularly eating yogurt, not smoking or drinking, and having a good social life are all controllable factors that are equally important.

Estelle points out, “We can develop drugs to replicate the effects of superior genes. Maria’s parents gave her excellent genes, but we cannot choose our parents.” However, the strong lipid metabolism, low inflammation, good mitochondrial health, and diverse gut microbiota that she maintains are things that everyone can improve through diet and lifestyle.

This study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, provides a new blueprint for healthy aging in humans, proving that extreme old age does not necessarily equate to being plagued by diseases.

English 1: 117-year-old woman’s remarkable health may also help us live longer
English 2: Supercentenarian gives scientists insight on secrets of healthy old age
Chinese (traditional): 極高齡不等於疾病纏身，科學解密 117 歲人瑞「違逆老化」的身體機制

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