Three Brazilian sisters have achieved global recognition after Guinness World Records officially named them the world’s oldest trio of sisters.
The extraordinary milestone has also drawn the attention of scientists, who are now studying the sisters in hopes of uncovering the secrets behind their exceptional longevity.
Researchers believe their lives could provide valuable clues about healthy aging and why some people remain active well beyond the age of 100.
The sisters’ story has become more than a record-breaking achievement. It is now contributing to scientific research that may benefit future generations.
The sisters, Zulina de Deus Nunes, 103, Zoraide de Deus Mota, 104, and Levita de Deus Nunes, 109, all live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
They were identified through LongeviQuest, an international organization that verifies longevity records and works closely with Guinness World Records.
Consequently, Guinness World Records officially recognized them as the world’s oldest trio of sisters, based on their combined age of 316 years.
Meanwhile, scientists from the University of Sao Paulo have begun studying the sisters through the DNA Longevo Project.
The research is being led by scientist Mayana Zatz.
The project aims to understand the biological and environmental factors that contribute to exceptional longevity.
Furthermore, researchers hope the findings could help improve knowledge about aging and healthy living.
The sisters believe their long lives are linked to simple habits rather than extraordinary lifestyles.
According to Zulina, growing up surrounded by nature played an important role.
She recalled, “Everything was fresh. We didn’t have a refrigerator.”
She also remembered spending much of her childhood swimming and fishing in nearby rivers.
In addition, Zoraide highlighted another important factor she believes contributed to their health.
She said, “Breastfeeding is incredibly important.”
Despite their remarkable ages, the sisters lived ordinary but productive lives.
Levita worked as a craftswoman before later joining a television network.
Meanwhile, Zoraide built a career as a nurse while raising five children.
Zulina dedicated her life to raising six children as a stay-at-home mother.
Looking back on her long journey, Levita expressed gratitude for the life she has enjoyed.
She said, “I had a good childhood and adolescence. I can’t complain.”
Researchers believe their case could provide valuable insight into healthy aging.
Moreover, experts plan to compare their health with that of people who experienced frailty, memory loss, or chronic illnesses at earlier ages.
According to Ben Meyers, Chief Executive Officer of LongeviQuest, genetics appears to play an important role.
He explained, “When sisters reach that age, there is clearly a strong genetic component.”
However, he also pointed to another important factor.
“But because they live near each other, they also have a support network, with family able to help when needed. There is definitely a community aspect as well.”
Therefore, researchers believe both family support and genetics may have helped the sisters enjoy such long and healthy lives.
