Study reveals factors for living past 100

Maria Branyas, who lived to be 117 years and 168 days old, was the world's oldest person when she passed away in August 2024. Following her death, researchers from the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute in Spain studied her life to understand how she achieved such longevity. Their analysis looked into various aspects of Maria's biology, including her genes, proteins, and even her gut bacteria. Although the report is not yet peer-reviewed, it offers insights that could help others live longer, healthier lives. Maria was categorized as a supercentenarian, a rare status that only around 1 in 10 centenarians manage to maintain for an additional decade. The study highlighted that Maria led a socially and mentally active life, which may have helped her avoid conditions like dementia. Her diet was primarily Mediterranean, and she particularly enjoyed yogurt, which researchers believe supported her healthy gut microbiome. Maria's genetic makeup also contributed to her longevity. She had genes linked to a better immune system and lower risks of heart disease and cancer. Moreover, the researchers examined DNA methylation, a process that helps gauge biological age. They found that Maria's biological age appeared significantly younger than her actual age in various tissues. Additionally, Maria's efficient metabolism played a role in her health. It resulted in lower 'bad' cholesterol and higher 'good' cholesterol levels. She attributed her long life to an “orderly life and pleasant surroundings.” The findings suggest that very old age doesn't always equate to poor health, and understanding these factors can help improve health in later years. While the research is still awaiting peer review, it has been shared on the preprint server BioRxiv.