Aging on two fronts: a 117-year-old's body shows signs of aging and protection

Researchers analyzed Maria Branyas, 117, using multi-omics and found a paradox: signs of extreme aging (short telomeres, pro-inflammatory immune profile) coexisting with protective traits (neuro-/cardioprotection genes, very low inflammation, beneficial gut bacteria, and an epigenetic age younger than her chronological age). The study, on a person without major disease, offers a rare view of aging itself and suggests interventions could target the biology of aging rather than specific diseases.