What is the secret to a long life? Three Brazilian sisters, with a combined age of 316, may provide answers. Guinness World Records this month named them the world's oldest living sibling trio.
Scientists from the University of Sao Paulo's DNA Longevo Project, led by researcher Mayana Zatz, are studying the sisters to identify protective genes. Researchers compare centenarians with individuals who develop frailty or chronic disease, seeking genetic traits that preserve physical and cognitive health.
"Through DNA testing, we look for protective genes, and we know there are several of them," Zatz said. "The more people who live past 100, especially families with multiple centenarians, the more accurate our research will be."
The sisters-Zulina de Deus Nunes, 103, Zoraide de Deus Mota, 104, and Levita de Deus Nunes, 109-credit their longevity to a healthy diet, active lifestyle, and breastfeeding. They recall a childhood of fresh food, swimming, and fishing.
Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, which verified their ages, noted a "strong genetic component" but also highlighted the supportive family network.
The study's goal, said researcher Joao Paulo Guilherme, is to examine 500 centenarians to draw more definitive conclusions about how genetics protect the heart, muscles, and cognition from aging.