Maria Blañas: World’s Oldest Living Person
Maria Blañas, celebrated by the Guinness World Records, has earned the title of the oldest living person at the age of 117. Researchers suggest that her long life is attributed to more than just luck.
Blañas shared with Guinness that she believes her longevity stems from “order, tranquility, good connections with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, regret, positivity, and staying away from toxic people.”
Before her passing on August 19, 2024, scientists from the Josep Carreras Institute in Barcelona investigated Blañas’s genetic makeup to uncover the secrets behind her long life.
Leading the research was Dr. Manel Esteller, who pointed out that the team used a non-invasive approach to study three different tissues. They conducted a comprehensive analysis including Blañas’s genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolism.
While they did observe signs of aging, they also detected genetic traits linked to neuroprotection and cardioprotection, alongside low levels of inflammation. Dr. Esteller remarked that Blañas had an extraordinary genome enriched with genes that promote longevity across various species. Remarkably, she displayed no genetic mutants that are often linked to diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, researchers found a significant presence of beneficial bacteria, specifically bifidobacterium, in her gut. This particular bacteria plays a role in enhancing immune function, balancing inflammation, and aiding digestion.
“We explained to her that yogurt consumption and the composition of bacteria in her intestines could be connected to her long lifespan,” Esteller noted. He was impressed with her lipid profile as well, which displayed remarkably low cholesterol levels and was attributed to her simple diet and genetics that efficiently metabolized harmful substances.
Blañas was a non-smoker and did not consume alcohol.
Researchers commented that her biological age appeared to be around 23 years younger than her chronological age, suggesting that aging can be viewed independently from illness.
The researchers emphasized that while Blañas exemplified an extraordinary case, there are many factors beyond genetics, such as her healthy diet and vibrant social life, that could have contributed to her exceptional longevity. “I think longevity is a mix of luck and good genetics,” she said.
Key Factors Impacting Longevity
The study identified several elements that likely facilitated Blañas’s healthy aging:
- Resilient genomes with variants linked to longevity
- A metabolism that rapidly removes harmful fats and sugars
- Low inflammatory levels
- An effective immune system capable of targeting microorganisms without harming its own cells
- A beneficial microbiome associated with younger individuals
- Biological markers suggesting a younger age
Dr. Esteller pointed out that the most significant takeaway from this study was recognizing signs of healthy aging that could lead to increased longevity. He reported that even with short telomeres, Blañas’s overall wellness remained unaffected, emphasizing the positive role of her microbiome and epigenome.
While the researchers noted the importance of dietary changes in promoting gut health and consequently lifespan, they acknowledged the need for more in-depth studies on individual aging processes and factors influencing longevity.
Ultimately, Blañas’s case illustrates a unique intersection of genetics, lifestyle, and social connections that contribute to an exceptionally long life. However, the variability in personal aging experiences should be kept in mind.
