How Brazil quietly produces people who live to 110
Brazil may have one of the world's highest concentrations of supercentenarians. Most are women, often small-framed. They have mixed African, European, Asian, and Indigenous ancestry, according to researchers.
Brazil's supercentenarians, people over 110, break the rules. They don't diet strictly.
They drink alcohol. They come from remote areas without modern medicine.
Yet they thrive. Researcher Mayana Zatz studied nearly 200 of them.
Around 70 percent are women, often small-framed. They have mixed ancestry: African, European, Asian, and Indigenous.
This mix may give them protective genes. Smaller bodies need less energy.
They also suffer less damage over time. Many grew up doing physical work.
They walked long distances and stayed active. They survived harsh childhoods without medical help.
That built their strength.
- 70 percent
- Percentage women
- Prof Mayana Zatz, University of São Paulo
- Researcher
Why it mattersThis challenges billionaire longevity schemes. It suggests genetics and life experience matter more than expensive diets and regimes.
AustraliaNo direct impact on Australia's health policy yet, but understanding longevity patterns could reshape how Australians think about ageing and fitness culture.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 45 d ago
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