The passing of Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest person at 117 years old, has sparked curiosity about the secrets to a long and healthy life. Many may look to centenarians like Branyas for advice on longevity, but scientists caution against blindly following their habits. While Branyas attributed her long life to factors such as order, tranquility, positive relationships, and emotional stability, experts in biogerontology emphasize that the reasons behind living past 100 are still not fully understood.
Theories on Longevity
Richard Faragher, a professor of biogerontology at the University of Brighton, explains that there are two main theories regarding why some individuals live beyond the age of 100. The first theory suggests that some people are simply lucky, and their habits may not necessarily be the cause of their longevity. This concept, known as “survivorship bias,” highlights the importance of not assuming that certain behaviors, like smoking or unhealthy eating, contribute to a long life just because some centenarians engage in them.
The second theory posits that centenarians possess specific genetic traits that enable them to live longer. In other words, their genetics may play a significant role in their ability to age gracefully. Faragher cautions against drawing health and lifestyle advice from centenarians, as their habits may not align with the conventional wisdom on extending healthy life expectancy. Many centenarians do not prioritize exercise, maintain unhealthy diets, and some even smoke, which contradicts the recommendations for promoting longevity based on epidemiological evidence.
Genetic Factors and Luck
Branyas acknowledged the role of luck in her long life, while her daughter Rosa Moret attributed it to genetics. Moret shared that her mother had never been to the hospital, never broken any bones, and experienced minimal pain throughout her life. Faragher emphasizes that the seemingly unhealthy habits of many centenarians could be attributed to either luck or favorable genetics, as their ability to thrive despite engaging in risky behaviors suggests a unique resilience.
In discussing the reasons behind centenarians’ longevity, Faragher raises the concept of reverse causation, where factors like a positive mental outlook may be a result of good health rather than a cause of long life. He highlights the importance of considering both enablers and dis-enablers when studying centenarians, as focusing solely on their habits may overlook other contributing factors.
Factors Influencing Longevity
Prof. David Gems, a geneticist at University College London, emphasizes the role of luck in individual cases of longevity, citing examples of natural variability in aging rates even among genetically identical organisms. While luck may play a part in exceptional cases, experts stress that population-level improvements in healthcare, hygiene, and lifestyle choices have a more significant impact on overall life expectancy.
David Sinclair, the chief executive of the International Longevity Centre, discusses the historical advancements in life expectancy driven by improvements in healthcare, vaccinations, and access to clean water. He emphasizes the ongoing focus on enhancing life expectancy in older populations through advancements in vaccines, medications, and public health interventions. Sinclair highlights the importance of governments supporting individuals in making healthier choices, especially in environments where access to exercise, nutritious food, and clean air may be limited.
While centenarians often serve as inspiring figures of longevity, Sinclair points out that their experiences may also involve challenges such as living alone for extended periods. Despite the celebratory tone often associated with reaching 100 years old, the reality for many individuals at that age may include health issues, social isolation, and other difficulties that are not always evident from the outside.
In conclusion, while centenarians like Maria Branyas Morera offer glimpses into the possibilities of long life, their individual experiences may not provide universal lessons for achieving longevity. Scientists continue to investigate the complex interplay of genetics, luck, and lifestyle factors in determining why some people live past 100. By focusing on population-level improvements in healthcare, hygiene, and healthy choices, we can work towards extending not just lifespan but also healthspan for all individuals.