117 years without disease: scientists have revealed the biological secrets of the world's longest-living woman

At the time of her death in August 2024, she was 117 years old. The work, published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, reveals what biological features and processes may have given her a long and healthy life.

A team of researchers from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Institute used multivariate analysis, a modern technique that allows simultaneous study of genetics, gene expression, blood biochemistry, saliva composition, gut microbiome and other body parameters. The data obtained were compared with the indicators of younger people and other long-livers.

The secret of longevity: health ≠ age

The main conclusion of the work: deep old age does not necessarily mean poor health. Although Branias showed signs of biological ageing - shortened telomeres (end sections of chromosomes) and age-related degradation of immune cells - she did not suffer from cardiovascular disease, cancer or other pathologies typical of old age.

Scientists found she had rare genetic mutations that could protect against chronic diseases. She also had low levels of inflammatory markers in her blood, suggesting the absence of systemic inflammation, a key factor in many age-related diseases.

One of the most striking discoveries was the composition of her gut microflora. Branias maintained a high concentration of Bifidobacterium, beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and immune regulation. In most older people, their numbers decline with age.

But even more surprising was her biological age, determined by epigenetic tags (chemical "labels" on DNA). It turned out that her cells "thought" she was much younger than her passport said she was. So her body was aging slower than it should have.

What does this mean for us?

Although the study covers just one participant, its significance cannot be overstated. It demonstrates that longevity is not simply a matter of calendar age, but the result of a fortunate combination of genetics, metabolic processes, the microbiome, and perhaps lifestyle.

"Our data show that aging and disease may not be inextricably linked. This challenges the common idea that age inevitably means poorer health," the paper says.

The knowledge gained could form the basis for new therapies aimed at slowing ageing, as well as dietary and behavioural recommendations to help minimise age-related changes.

Maria Branias was born in 1907, survived two world wars, pandemics and many social changes. She remained sane and in generally good physical condition until the end of her life.

"Maria's phenomenon is a reminder of how much we still don't know about the human body and its potential," said the study's lead author Dr Manuel Esteller.

The study was a contribution to a growing body of scientific evidence showing that the key to longevity may lie in molecular details rather than universal prescriptions.