The Epigenome's Indication of "The Marking of Youth" - Secrets to Health and Longevity from a 117-Year-Old: New Insights Revealed by the Science of Longevity

A research team conducted an unprecedented multifaceted analysis (genome/epigenome/proteome/metabolome/microbiome) of the body of Maria Branyas Moreira, who passed away at the age of 117 in 2024 while residing in Spain. The conclusion is simple yet bold: "Aging" and "getting sick" are not necessarily the same. Despite showing signs of aging, her "dual nature" of being protected from typical geriatric diseases presents us with a future vision of extending healthy life expectancy. The research was published in Cell Reports Medicine in September 2025, with details released by the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona. carrerasresearch.org

What Happened to the 117-Year-Old Body

The study depicted a "whole-body picture" at the molecular level based on blood, saliva, urine, and stool samples collected about a year before her death. As a result, indicators of "extreme aging," such as very short telomeres and signs of immune aging, were found. Meanwhile, indicators of "healthy longevity," such as genetic variants protecting the brain and heart, low levels of chronic inflammation throughout the body, efficient lipid and cholesterol metabolism, and a "youthful" gut microbiome rich in Bifidobacterium, coexisted. The research team described this coexistence as a "delicate balance" and emphasized it as the first case where "aging" and "disease" could be observed separately. carrerasresearch.org

Estimated by the "clock" of the epigenome, her biological age was reported to be about 10 to 15 years younger than her actual age, with another media outlet suggesting an estimate of about 23 years younger. Although there is a range due to various methods and estimation models, the direction is consistent—she was "younger than her age." The Guardian

Lifestyle as "Supporting Role," Genetics as "Lead"

She herself did not smoke or drink and had no history of obesity. She was also actively social with family and friends and reportedly consumed yogurt (local probiotics) and an eight-grain smoothie daily. These daily habits align with the youthfulness of her gut environment. However, the researchers maintain a cautious stance, avoiding the "panacea" of specific foods. DIE WELT

On the other hand, there is a strong view that genetic predisposition plays a significant role. Experts involved in the research have been reported to estimate that "about half" of the factors for longevity are genetic. Lifestyle may have fueled the fire, and the gut microbiome supported it—such a division of roles emerges. SvD.se

The Suggestion that "Aging ≠ Disease"

Notably, even at an extremely old age, there was no noticeable presence of "common geriatric diseases" such as dementia, diabetes, or cancer. For example, it is suggested that extremely short telomeres paradoxically suppressed "cellular runaway," potentially reducing cancer risk. Researchers stated that "for the first time, 'aging' and 'getting sick' could be considered separately." While medicine has evolved to cure diseases, the next step might be to target aging itself. The Guardian

Reactions on Social Media—From "Yogurt Debate" to "Parent Lottery"

① Yogurt Enthusiasts
As soon as the news broke, voices on X and in news comment sections speculated, "Was daily yogurt the key?" Media headlines tended to emphasize this point, drawing attention to the "beneficial bacteria × gut environment". However, it is important to note that all articles convey a correlation, not causation. The Times

② The "Strong Genetic" Theory
On the other hand, the calm assessment that "in the end, it's half genetics" also spread. Swedish newspaper reports conveyed this nuance as researcher comments, and on social media, posts colloquially likened "lucky genes" to a "parent lottery." SvD.se

③ Reddit's Science Cluster
In Reddit's genetics community, while acknowledging the limitations of n=1 (single case), discussions highlighted the significance of digging this deep with multi-omics. The atmosphere suggested, "While we should be cautious about generalization, it's fruitful for hypothesis generation." Reddit

④ Awe for a Lifetime Story
In other threads, voices expressed amazement at the century-scale of someone born in 1907. Surviving the 1918 flu, the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and recovering from COVID-19 at 113—her presence as a "witness of the times" is also why people favor longevity news. Nature

Key Points of the Research in Three Lines

• Signs of aging (short telomeres, immune aging) and signs of healthy longevity (low inflammation, good lipid metabolism, youthful gut microbiome, protective genes) coexist.

• Biological age estimated to be younger than actual age (estimated range 10-15 years, another report suggests about 23 years).

• Conceptual advancement of separating "aging" and "disease". carrerasresearch.org
  
  

What We Can Do Starting Today (Based on Current Evidence)

High-Value Actions

• Lifestyle to Reduce Inflammation: Adequate sleep, oral care, exercise habits, and avoiding processed meats and excessive sugar.

• Weight Management and Activity: Daily walking and strength training.

• Social Connections: Interaction with friends and family is linked to healthy life expectancy.

• Utilization of Fermented Dairy Products: Probiotics like yogurt may positively affect gut health (though effects vary by individual). The Guardian

Avoid Misunderstandings

• "Yogurt = Guaranteed Longevity" is not true. The research is a single case study and does not prove causation.

• There is no magic pill or quick fix. The key remains in consistent efforts like diet, exercise, sleep, non-smoking, and moderate drinking. carrerasresearch.org
  
  

Scientific and Social Impact

This research gives realism to the idea of targeting aging itself as a treatment. It may also provide hints for optimizing existing approaches like epigenetic interventions and **senolytics (drugs targeting senescent cells). On the other hand, it reaffirms that this is an area with significant individual differences and that reproducibility studies are essential to avoid the trap of generalization. We need to patiently follow the classic path of "case study→ hypothesis→ verification." . carrerasresearch.org

Conclusion

Maria's "blueprint" quietly conveys that the secret to longevity is not a single key and that aging does not necessarily mean getting sick. What we can do is add points to our genetic hand with the play of lifestyle. Science is expected to provide more tools to assist in that play in the future. DIE WELT

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