What is the secret to a long life? Three Brazilian sisters with a combined age of 316, who were named by Guinness this month as the oldest living trio of siblings in the world, may help researchers find out.
The DNA Longevo Project, a study led by scientist Mayana Zatz from the University of Sao Paulo, aims to investigate the biological factors behind ageing.
Findings from the three sisters’ case could help scientists better understand why some people remain physically and cognitively resilient at exceptionally advanced ages.
Researchers will compare nonagenarians and centenarians with people who have developed frailty, cognitive decline or chronic diseases, seeking traits linked to longevity.
“Through DNA testing, we look for protective genes, and we know there are several of them,” said Zatz, who coordinates the university’s Human Genome Research Centre.
“The more people we have who live past 100, especially families with multiple centenarians, the more accurate our research will be in identifying them.”
