117-Year-Old María Branyas Recognized as World’s Oldest Living Person
At 117 years old, María Branyas has officially been confirmed as the oldest living person by Guinness World Records. Researchers suggest that her impressive longevity may be more than mere chance.
Branyas cites key factors for her long life, which include maintaining a sense of order, tranquility, strong family connections, and frequent moments in nature. She emphasizes the importance of emotional stability, positivity, and avoiding toxic relationships.
Originally from San Francisco, María moved to Spain as a child and spent most of her life there. In a collaborative study led by Dr. Manel Esteller at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona, scientists explored her genetic makeup to uncover insights into her remarkable life span.
The research team used non-invasive techniques to analyze different tissue types from Branyas. They studied her genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolism, looking for clues behind her longevity.
Their findings revealed that while she showed signs of aging, Branyas also had “genetic characteristics associated with neuroprotection and cardioprotection,” alongside low inflammation levels. Dr. Esteller stated that Branyas possessed an exceptional genome with variants linked to extended lifespans in various species and absent gene variants usually connected to serious health issues like cancer or Alzheimer’s.
A noteworthy observation was that Branyas had a notable amount of beneficial bacteria, specifically Bifidobacterium, in her gut, likely linked to her love for yogurt. This bacterium plays a crucial role in boosting immunity and promoting healthy digestion.
Her low cholesterol levels, coupled with a healthy diet, were significant factors in her good health. Furthermore, Branyas has never smoked or consumed alcohol. Researchers found that her biological age was around 23 years younger than her chronological age based on specific markers.
Published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, this study stands out as one of the most comprehensive examinations of supercentenarians—those who live to be over 110 years old.
Overall, Branyas had no major health issues except for mild hearing loss and some mobility challenges. Her mind remained sharp and clear, showcasing that aging and illness can be distinct from one another.
The researchers concluded that Branyas’ longevity may stem from her healthy diet, vibrant social life, and an absence of bad habits. Still, they highlighted the need for further research to connect specific lifestyle choices with biological traits.
Branyas remarked that good fortune and genetics also play crucial roles in longevity. From the study, researchers identified several key factors that contribute to healthy aging, including:
- A protective and resilient genome
- A metabolism that efficiently processes harmful fats and sugars
- Low inflammation levels
- An effective immune system
- A youthful gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria
- Biological indicators that reflect a much younger age
Dr. Esteller emphasized that observing healthy aging markers offers hope for increasing longevity and that dietary adjustments could enhance gut health and overall lifespan.
However, the research had some limitations, noting that aging is influenced by various genetic and environmental factors, and that drawing broad conclusions from one individual should be approached cautiously. Further research examining exercise and other health aspects could provide additional insights into anti-aging strategies.
With studies like this, there is a glimpse of how lifestyle choices contribute to the potential for longer, healthier lives.
