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World's oldest sisters, 316 years combined, offer clues to longevity

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Three Brazilian sisters, aged 103, 104, and 109, have been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living siblings.
  • Scientists are studying the sisters to understand the genetic and environmental factors contributing to their exceptional longevity.
  • The sisters attribute their long lives to healthy eating and active lifestyles, recalling a childhood with fresh food and swimming in rivers.

In a remarkable display of human longevity, three Brazilian sisters have been certified by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living siblings. Zoraide de Deus Mota, 104, Zulina de Deus Nunes, 103, and Levita de Deus Nunes, 109, collectively boast 316 years, offering a unique window into the secrets of a long and healthy life.

The more data we have on people over 100 years old, especially multiple centenarians in the same family, the more accurately our research can identify related genes.

— Mayana ZatzA scientist leading the 'DNA Longevo Project' explains the importance of studying the sisters for genetic research into longevity.

Their ages were verified by Longeviquest, a global organization that tracks supercentenarians in collaboration with Guinness World Records. The sisters, residing in Rio de Janeiro, have become a focal point for researchers like Mayana Zatz from the University of São Paulo's "DNA Longevo Project." This project aims to identify protective genes associated with extreme old age and the preservation of physical and cognitive functions, even at advanced ages.

Scientists believe genetic factors may play a more significant role than environmental influences in maintaining health late in life. Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, highlighted the strong genetic component in the sisters' longevity, while also acknowledging the importance of social support networks, given their proximity and family ties. The research team plans to compare DNA from centenarians with those experiencing frailty or cognitive decline to pinpoint longevity-associated traits.

The sisters living to this age clearly has a strong genetic factor.

— Ben MeyersThe CEO of LongeviQuest comments on the genetic component of the sisters' long lives, also noting the role of social support.

The sisters themselves lead seemingly ordinary lives, attributing their longevity to healthy diets and active lifestyles. Levita worked in handicrafts and television, Zoraide was a nurse and mother of five, and Zulina was a full-time mother to six children. They recall a childhood filled with fresh food, swimming in rivers, and a lack of modern conveniences like refrigerators. Zulina emphasized the importance of breastfeeding, while Levita expressed no regrets about her long life, cherishing her childhood and youth.

I had a very good childhood and adolescence, nothing to complain about.

— Levita de Deus NunesThe 109-year-old sister reflects on her life, expressing no regrets.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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