EXPLAINER: Why study the DNA of the longest-living trio sisters?

Guinness World Records has recognized the three sisters in Brazil as the longest-living sisters in the world.

The sisters Zulina de Deus Nunes, Zoraide de Deus Mota, and Levita de Deus Nunes have a combined age of 316 years and 302 days, according to LongeviQuest, an organization that monitors and researches human longevity as reported by Reuters.

Among the three sisters, Levita is the oldest at 109, followed by Zoraide, 104, and Zulina, 103.

How were they able to live a long life?

According to the three sisters, among the important factors to having a long life are eating healthy food and staying physically active.

Zulina, for example, grew up swimming and catching fish at the river. She added that almost all of their food growing up was fresh because refrigerators did not exist yet at that time.

For Zoraide, she emphasized the long-term significance of having been breastfed as infants.

Why are scientists studying their DNA?

Under the DNA Longevo Project, the three sisters’ DNA is being studied by scientists to determine the biological and genetic factors that helped them live long lives.

The Project is a research study led by scientist Mayana Zatz from the University of São Paulo.

Researchers say the study of their DNA will help in understanding why some individuals were able to stay healthy, have sharp minds, and be physically active even beyond 100 years of age.

In addition, the scientists hope to discover how significant genetics is compared to lifestyle and environment when it comes to longevity, and whether there are inherited characteristics that help protect the heart, muscles, and cognitive functions from the effects of aging. — BAP, GMA News