Scientists decode DNA of world’s oldest woman to uncover clues to longevity. Here's what they found

The researchers noted that she had a number of rare genetic variants that appeared to protect her cardiovascular system, brain and immune responses.

Researchers in Spain have published findings from the genetic study of Maria Branyas Morera, who at the time of her death in August 2024 was 117 years and 168 days old, making her the oldest verified living person in the world and the oldest Spanish national ever recorded.

Branyas, who was born in the United States in 1907 and moved with her family to Catalonia in 1915, lived through both world wars, civil unrest, and multiple pandemics. She even survived Covid-19 at the age of 113. Before her death, she had asked doctors to study her DNA to identify factors that might explain her longevity and to share insights that could “help others” achieve long and healthy lives.

Samples of her blood, saliva, urine and stool were collected and analysed by a team at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute. Their work, published in Cell Reports Medicine, revealed that her genetic and biological profile was unusual for her age.

According to the study, Branyas’s biological age was between 10 and 15 years lower than her chronological age. Lead researcher Dr Manel Esteller explained, “Maria’s parents gave her very good genes but we cannot choose our parents.”

The researchers noted that she had a number of rare genetic variants that appeared to protect her cardiovascular system, brain and immune responses. Her cholesterol levels were considered highly favourable, with low concentrations of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and high concentrations of HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Her body also showed minimal levels of inflammation, a process strongly associated with ageing.

One of the surprising findings concerned her cellular profile. Despite her age, her cells functioned in a way more consistent with much younger individuals. She was found to have unusually short telomeres — the structures that protect chromosomes — which may have reduced her risk of developing cancer. In addition, her immune system and gut microbiome resembled those seen in considerably younger people.

While her genetics played a significant role, lifestyle factors also appeared central to her longevity. Branyas, a former nurse, remained physically active for as long as her health allowed. She did not drink or smoke, maintained a healthy weight, and sustained an active social life.

Particular attention has been drawn to her daily dietary habits. She regularly consumed yoghurt, especially the Spanish brand La Fageda, often up to three times a day. Researchers observed that yoghurt, with its probiotic content, has been shown to support gut health, improve immune function, and reduce the severity of certain infections, including influenza and coronavirus.

In addition, she drank a morning smoothie that included eight different cereals, providing high levels of fibre and beneficial bacteria. Eloy Santos, a PhD student involved in the research, explained to The Telegraph: “The high amounts of healthy bacteria and fibre were beneficial populations in the gut, making them thrive.”

Summing up the results, Dr Esteller remarked, “The conclusion is that the clues for extreme longevity are a mix between what we inherited from our parents and what we do in our lives. And this mix, the percentage depends, but it can be … half and half.”

The researchers, led by epigeneticists Eloy Santos-Pujol and Aleix Noguera-Castells, wrote in the study: “The picture that emerges from our study, although derived only from this one exceptional individual, shows that extremely advanced age and poor health are not intrinsically linked.” They added that the findings may offer “a fresh look at human ageing biology, suggesting biomarkers for healthy ageing, and potential strategies to increase life expectancy.”