Doctors investigate DNA of 117-year-old woman to find one food that can unlock longer lives

Scientists also noted unique features in her telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. While short telomeres are typically linked to higher mortality, research suggests they may not be a reliable marker of aging in the very old. In Maria’s case, her short telomeres may have even helped protect her, potentially limiting cancer cell growth.

“The picture that emerges from our study, although derived only from this one exceptional individual, shows that extremely advanced age and poor health are not intrinsically linked,” the researchers, led by epigeneticists Eloy Santos-Pujol and Aleix Noguera-Castells, said, according to Science Alert.

Dr. Esteller concluded:

“The clues for extreme longevity are a mix between what we inherited from our parents and what we do in our lives. This mix, the percentage depends, but it can be […] half and half.”

Her own advice to a long life

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