Health and Me

Ishita Roy

DNA Test On World’s Oldest Woman Reveals Clues To Living Past 100

Credits: Cell Reports Medicine

Who can live past 100 years? Well, to everyone's surprise, Maria Branyas Morea lived to the age of 117, with a bit of luck and a healthy diet. A study published in Cell Reports Medicine noted that her diet that included daily yogurts ensured that she could live this long. During her final year, in 2024, she was verified as the oldest living person, and drew a lot of attention of researchers from all over the world who wanted to explore the biology of aging. 

The researchers also ran a DNA-test on her, and here's what they found.

<h2>What A <span rel="noindex">DNA</span> Test On 117-year-old Revealed</h2>

Health evaluation of Maria Branyas suggest that she may have an exceptionally young genome. The rare genetic variant was what linked to longevity, immune function, and a healthy heart and brain. The researchers based in Spain said that they are now using these findings to "provide a fresh look at human aging biology, suggesting biomarkers for healthy aging, and potential strategies to increase life expectancy".

The tests scientists ran were based on blood, saliva, urine, and stool samples. Branyas volunteered to have these tests run on her before she passed in August 2024. The researchers reveal that her cells "felt" or "behaved" as though they were much younger than her chronological age. She is known to have exceeded the average life expectancy of women in her home of Catalonia by more than 30 years. 

While she was 117, her cardiovascular health was marked excellent, with very low levels of inflammation. Her immune system and gut microbiome both had markers that matched much younger samples. The levels of 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides were very low, while 'good' cholesterol was very high. 

"Extreme human lifespan, exemplified by supercentenarians, presents a paradox in understanding aging: despite advanced age, they maintain relatively good health," write the researchers, led by epigeneticists Eloy Santos-Pujol and Aleix Noguera-Castells.

Maria Branyas didn’t just live long, she lived fully. Mentally sharp, socially engaged, and physically active well into old age, her lifestyle clearly mattered. Genetics helped too. While her Mediterranean diet, rich in yogurt and fermented foods, may have supported her health, scientists say extreme longevity is rarely about one habit alone. It is usually a mix of biology, environment, and chance.

Also Read: <sub><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/7-manifestation-practices-to-achieve-your-health-goals-in-2026-article-153380653" data-type="tilCustomLink">One Of World's Oldest Woman Shares The Secret To A Healthy Life</a></sub>

One of the most surprising findings from studying Branyas was what researchers saw at the ends of her chromosomes. Her telomeres, the protective caps on DNA that typically shorten with age, showed what scientists described as “huge erosion.” Usually, shorter telomeres are associated with higher mortality risk. But in people who reach extraordinary ages, telomeres may not tell the full story.

In fact, the researchers suggest Branyas’ very short telomeres might have worked in her favour. Short-lived cells may have reduced the risk of uncontrolled cell growth, potentially protecting her from cancer. It is a counterintuitive idea, but one that challenges how scientists think about aging markers.

<h2>Longevity Does Not Equal Poor Health</h2>

What stands out most is that Branyas’ advanced age did not automatically come with prolonged illness. Her case reinforces the idea that living longer does not have to mean living sicker. As the researchers note, extreme old age and poor health are not inherently linked.

<h2>What One Life Can and Cannot Tell Us</h2>

Of course, studying one exceptional individual has limits. Researchers in Spain stress the need for larger studies to confirm these findings. Still, broader research on centenarians has already shown that some people carry unique biological traits that help them resist disease.

With centenarians now the world’s fastest-growing age group, Branyas’ life offers a rare glimpse into what might make extreme longevity possible. Her story, scientists say, opens new doors to understanding healthy aging and extending not just lifespan, but health span.

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Who can live past 100 years? Well, to everyone's surprise, Maria Branyas Morea lived to the age of 117, with a bit of luck and a healthy diet. A study published in Cell Reports Medicine noted that her diet that included daily yogurts ensured that she could live this long. During her final year, in 2024, she was verified as the oldest living person, and drew a lot of attention of researchers from all over the world who wanted to explore the biology of aging. The researchers also ran a DNA-test on her, and here's what they found.What A DNA Test On 117-year-old RevealedHealth evaluation of Maria Branyas suggest that she may have an exceptionally young genome. The rare genetic variant was what linked to longevity, immune function, and a healthy heart and brain. The researchers based in Spain said that they are now using these findings to "provide a fresh look at human aging biology, suggesting biomarkers for healthy aging, and potential strategies to increase life expectancy".The tests scientists ran were based on blood, saliva, urine, and stool samples. Branyas volunteered to have these tests run on her before she passed in August 2024. The researchers reveal that her cells "felt" or "behaved" as though they were much younger than her chronological age. She is known to have exceeded the average life expectancy of women in her home of Catalonia by more than 30 years. While she was 117, her cardiovascular health was marked excellent, with very low levels of inflammation. Her immune system and gut microbiome both had markers that matched much younger samples. The levels of 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides were very low, while 'good' cholesterol was very high. "Extreme human lifespan, exemplified by supercentenarians, presents a paradox in understanding aging: despite advanced age, they maintain relatively good health," write the researchers, led by epigeneticists Eloy Santos-Pujol and Aleix Noguera-Castells.Maria Branyas didn’t just live long, she lived fully. Mentally sharp, socially engaged, and physically active well into old age, her lifestyle clearly mattered. Genetics helped too. While her Mediterranean diet, rich in yogurt and fermented foods, may have supported her health, scientists say extreme longevity is rarely about one habit alone. It is usually a mix of biology, environment, and chance.Also Read: One Of World's Oldest Woman Shares The Secret To A Healthy LifeA Surprising FindingOne of the most surprising findings from studying Branyas was what researchers saw at the ends of her chromosomes. Her telomeres, the protective caps on DNA that typically shorten with age, showed what scientists described as “huge erosion.” Usually, shorter telomeres are associated with higher mortality risk. But in people who reach extraordinary ages, telomeres may not tell the full story.In fact, the researchers suggest Branyas’ very short telomeres might have worked in her favour. Short-lived cells may have reduced the risk of uncontrolled cell growth, potentially protecting her from cancer. It is a counterintuitive idea, but one that challenges how scientists think about aging markers.Longevity Does Not Equal Poor HealthWhat stands out most is that Branyas’ advanced age did not automatically come with prolonged illness. Her case reinforces the idea that living longer does not have to mean living sicker. As the researchers note, extreme old age and poor health are not inherently linked.What One Life Can and Cannot Tell UsOf course, studying one exceptional individual has limits. Researchers in Spain stress the need for larger studies to confirm these findings. Still, broader research on centenarians has already shown that some people carry unique biological traits that help them resist disease.With centenarians now the world’s fastest-growing age group, Branyas’ life offers a rare glimpse into what might make extreme longevity possible. Her story, scientists say, opens new doors to understanding healthy aging and extending not just lifespan, but health span.