Research continues to uncover the secrets behind human longevity, particularly through the study of centenarians in Brazil. Despite an average life expectancy of around 75 years in the country, Brazil boasts a notable number of centenarians, including individuals who have lived past 100 years and even reached the status of supercentenarians, those who live to 110 or beyond. A recent viewpoint article synthesizes findings from an ongoing longitudinal study that may provide essential insights into the biological factors contributing to long life.
According to the study led by Mateus Vidigal de Castro, a gerontologist at the Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center in São Paulo, Brazil’s diverse population presents a unique opportunity to explore the genetic and environmental factors influencing longevity. The research team has identified over 160 centenarians across various regions, with 20 identified as supercentenarians. One particularly notable individual was Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was recognized as the oldest living person until her death in 2025 at the age of 116.
The Importance of Genetic Diversity in Longevity Research
Brazil’s genetic diversity is among the highest in the world, shaped by its complex history of colonization, slavery, and immigration. This genetic admixture includes contributions from Indigenous peoples, Portuguese colonizers, enslaved Africans, and various immigrant groups from Europe and Asia. The study suggests that this genetic mix may harbor unique protective variants not found in more homogeneous populations, a gap that has hindered previous research on longevity.
“This gap is especially limiting in longevity research, where admixed supercentenarians may harbor unique protective variants invisible in more genetically homogeneous populations,” de Castro explains. The researchers emphasize that previous studies have often relied on genomic data from more uniform populations, which may overlook critical insights applicable to diverse groups.
Insights into Longevity from Brazilian Centenarians
The ongoing research highlights several intriguing findings about centenarians in Brazil. Many participants not only reached the age of 100 but also maintained surprising levels of independence and cognitive function. Some individuals were reported to be self-sufficient in daily activities, demonstrating a resilience that challenges common assumptions about aging.
Notably, one family in the study featured a remarkable cluster of centenarians, including a 110-year-old woman and her three nieces, aged 106, 104, and 100. This observation supports existing evidence that longevity may run in families, providing a rare opportunity to investigate the genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to extreme lifespans.
The research team also points out that many centenarians come from underserved regions with limited access to healthcare. This raises questions about the potential protective mechanisms that may exist independently of modern medical interventions. For example, three Brazilian supercentenarians survived COVID-19 in 2020 before vaccines were available, a feat attributed to their robust immune systems and effective cellular maintenance.
To deepen the understanding of human longevity, the researchers call for more studies focusing on diverse populations like Brazil’s. Co-author Mayana Zatz, a professor of genetics at the University of São Paulo, advocates for broader recruitment in international longevity and genomics consortia. “International longevity and genomics consortia should expand recruitment to include ancestrally diverse and admixed populations, such as Brazil’s,” Zatz states.
The viewpoint article was published in Genomic Psychiatry, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research that includes diverse populations to enhance equity in global health research. As the investigation into Brazil’s centenarians continues, it promises to shed light on the intricate interplay of genetics and lifestyle in the quest for longevity.
