117-year-old reveals the secret to remarkable gut health

In August 2024, Maria Branyas Morera, an American-Catalan woman known for being the world's oldest person at 117 years old, passed away. Born in March 1907 in San Francisco, USA, she surpassed the average life expectancy of Catalonia, Spain, by over 30 years. A recent study analyzed her genome, gut microbiome, and lifestyle to discover why she lived such a long life. Researchers found that her biological age appeared much younger than her chronological age, indicating that her cells functioned more like those of a 17-year-old. Important factors contributing to her longevity included a strong immune system and a healthy lifestyle that prioritized mental well-being by avoiding toxic relationships. The study revealed that Morera possessed a unique genomic variation associated with reduced cancer risk and protection against heart disease. Notably, researchers investigated DNA methylation patterns, discovering that her cells displayed a biological age consistent with a centenarian, rather than her true age. This indicates a significant connection between her cellular health and longevity. Her gut microbiome was particularly noteworthy, as it demonstrated an abundance of anti-inflammatory bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, which researchers linked to the maintenance of health as one ages. However, the precise mechanisms connecting gut bacteria to a longer life remain an area of ongoing research. Throughout her life, Morera maintained various healthy habits that likely contributed to her longevity. She avoided alcohol and smoking, engaged in daily walking, and adhered to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and beneficial probiotics, including three yoghurts a day. This lifestyle aligns with the findings of growing research that supports high-fiber, Mediterranean diets as beneficial for gut health. Ultimately, the research concluded that extremely advanced age and poor health do not necessarily correlate, suggesting that factors like lifestyle choices and genetic predisposition play vital roles in determining overall wellbeing as one ages. This groundbreaking study offers invaluable insights into aging and health, hinting at the potential genetic and microbiome-related factors that can influence not just lifespan, but also healthspan – the portion of life spent in good health. Morera's story exemplifies how genetics and lifestyle choices can intertwine to create a unique blueprint for longevity, inspiring further investigations into the understanding of supercentenarians and their remarkable health outcomes.