What does it take to live past 100 years old? Three sisters from Brazil, whose ages add up to 316 years, may help scientists find the answer. Guinness World Records officially recognized the trio this month as the oldest living set of siblings anywhere in the world.
A research initiative called the DNA Longevo Project, spearheaded by scientist Mayana Zatz at the University of Sao Paulo, is working to uncover the biological reasons behind human aging. The three sisters represent a remarkable opportunity for that research.
By studying people like them, scientists hope to learn why certain individuals stay physically strong and mentally sharp at extraordinarily advanced ages. The research involves comparing people in their 90s and beyond — including centenarians — against those who have experienced physical decline, memory loss, or chronic illness, in an effort to identify traits connected to a longer life.
“Through DNA testing, we look for protective genes, and we know there are several of them,” said Zatz, who leads the university’s Human Genome Research Center. “The more people we have who live past 100, especially families with multiple centenarians, the more accurate our research will be in identifying them.”
Researchers believe that inherited genetic traits may matter more than a person’s environment when it comes to staying healthy in old age.
The three sisters — Levita de Deus Nunes, 109, Zoraide de Deus Mota, 104, and Zulina de Deus Nunes, 103 — all live in Rio de Janeiro. They were brought to the attention of scientists through LongeviQuest, a worldwide organization that verifies extreme age records and works alongside Guinness World Records.
“When sisters reach that age, there is clearly a strong genetic component,” said Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest. “But because they live near each other, they also have a support network, with family able to help when needed. There is definitely a community aspect as well.”
The sisters themselves point to healthy eating habits and staying active as the reasons for their long lives. Zulina recalled growing up swimming and fishing in rivers. “Everything was fresh. We didn’t have a refrigerator,” she said.
Zoraide offered her own piece of wisdom: “Breastfeeding is incredibly important.”
By most measures, the sisters lived fairly typical lives. Levita worked as a craftswoman and later at a television network. Zoraide pursued a nursing career and raised five children. Zulina stayed home to raise six children of her own.
Looking back, Levita has no regrets. “I had a good childhood and adolescence. I can’t complain,” she said.
Beyond lifestyle choices, researchers are particularly interested in how genetics may shield the heart, muscles, and brain from the effects of aging. Fellow researcher Joao Paulo Guilherme, who collaborates with Zatz, explained that the study’s ultimate aim is “to reach 500 centenarians so we can draw more definitive conclusions about longevity.”
