A DNA study of the ‘oldest person in the world’ has revealed the “key to longevity”.
Maria Branyas Morera passed away in August 2024 at the age of 117.
Almost eight months on from her death, the “secret” to her long-lasting life has been revealed, reports Need To Know.
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Researchers at Barcelona University investigated the deceased’s microbiome and DNA.
Findings reportedly show that she had the “microbiome of a child” and a “privileged genome”.
Manel Esteller, a genetics professor at the university, says these one-of-a-kind genes cut her biological age by around 17 years.
Her daughter, Rosa Moret, previously said that her mum had been able to live so long as she was never ill.
Maria Branyas, who remembered World War I and the Spanish Civil War (1936- 1939), had reportedly only started to lose her eyesight, memory and hearing when she passed away.
Tomiko Itooka then took over the world title, before her passing in December 2024 – and now, this is held by Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun, who is 116 years old.
It’s hoped these findings will lead to advances in anti-aging medicines, as well as providing insight into which foods promote longevity.
They also discovered she had good cholesterol levels, “exceptional” blood sugar regulation and a “perfectly” balanced immune system.
Maria’s diet of eating three yoghurts a day, coupled with never drinking alcohol or smoking, is also believed to have contributed to her impressive age.
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