Decoding Longevity: Study of World's Oldest Person Reveals Clues to Healthy Aging and Extended Lifespan

A recent study on Maria Branyas, the world's oldest person who lived to 117, offers insights into longevity. Researchers analyzed her genes, proteins, microbiome, and metabolism, finding several factors contributing to her exceptional lifespan. * **Lifestyle:** Maria maintained a mentally, socially, and physically active lifestyle, spending time with loved ones and following a Mediterranean-style diet, including yogurt. * **Gut Health:** Her diet fostered healthy gut bacteria, giving her a gut microbiome characteristic of a much younger person. Gut health is crucial for overall health, affecting metabolism, inflammation, and even cognitive function. * **Genetics:** Maria possessed genes associated with a strong immune system, heart disease protection, and reduced cancer risk. * **Biological Age:** DNA methylation analysis revealed that Maria's biological age was significantly younger than her chronological age. * **Metabolism and Inflammation:** She exhibited an efficient metabolism with favorable cholesterol levels and low inflammation. The study suggests that extreme age and poor health are not necessarily linked. Understanding these factors can help improve health in old age and maximize the body's potential for healthy aging.