Three remarkable Brazilian sisters whose combined ages total an astonishing 316 years have been officially recognised by Guinness World Records (GWR) as the world’s longest-living trio of sisters.
The extraordinary siblings—Zulina de Deus Nunes, 103, Zoraide de Deus Mota, 104, and Levita de Deus Nunes, 109—have become the focus of international attention, not only because of their record-breaking longevity but also because scientists believe they could hold valuable clues to healthy ageing.
Their achievement has prompted researchers in Brazil to study their genetics and lifestyles in hopes of uncovering why some people remain healthy well beyond the age of 100.
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Guinness World Records recognises remarkable milestone
The sisters, who all live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were identified by LongeviQuest, a global organisation that verifies the ages of exceptionally long-lived people and works closely with Guinness World Records.
Together, their combined age of 316 years officially makes them the oldest living trio of sisters ever recorded.
Their remarkable longevity has attracted global admiration while offering researchers a rare opportunity to study multiple centenarians from the same family.
Scientists hope to unlock the secrets of longevity
The sisters are now participating in the DNA Longevo Project, a major scientific study led by renowned geneticist Mayana Zatz at the University of São Paulo.
The research aims to understand why certain people remain physically active, mentally sharp and relatively healthy far into old age.
Scientists hope that studying the sisters’ DNA may reveal protective genes that help delay ageing and reduce the risk of diseases commonly associated with old age.
Researchers believe families with multiple centenarians provide particularly valuable insights because shared genetics may play a significant role in exceptional longevity.
Healthy lifestyle may also have contributed
Although genetics are expected to be an important factor, the sisters also credit their long lives to simple, healthy living.
Zulina fondly recalled spending much of her childhood outdoors.
“Everything was fresh. We didn’t have a refrigerator,” she said, remembering days spent swimming and fishing in nearby rivers.
Her sister Zoraide also emphasised the importance of breastfeeding and healthy early childhood development.
Unlike many modern lifestyles, the sisters grew up eating fresh foods, staying physically active and spending much of their time outdoors.
Ordinary lives with extraordinary longevity
Despite becoming world record holders, the three sisters describe their lives as relatively ordinary.
Levita worked as a craftswoman before later joining a television network.
Zoraide built a career as a nurse while raising five children.
Meanwhile, Zulina dedicated herself to caring for her family as a full-time mother and raised six children.
Looking back on her remarkable journey, Levita expressed gratitude for the life she has lived.
“I had a good childhood and adolescence. I can’t complain,” she said.
Genetics and community support
According to Ben Meyers, Chief Executive Officer of LongeviQuest, both genetics and family support likely contribute to the sisters’ exceptional longevity.
“When sisters reach that age, there is clearly a strong genetic component,” Meyers explained.
He also noted that living near one another allows the sisters to maintain a close support network, with relatives and family members able to assist whenever necessary.
Researchers believe that social connections and strong family relationships may also play an important role in promoting healthy ageing.
Search for protective genes
Professor Mayana Zatz and her research team hope the sisters’ participation will advance understanding of how certain genes protect the body from ageing.
Through DNA analysis, scientists are searching for what they describe as “protective genes” that may help preserve heart health, muscle strength and cognitive function throughout old age.
“The more people we have who live past 100, especially families with multiple centenarians, the more accurate our research will be in identifying them,” Zatz said.
The project plans to study 500 centenarians, allowing researchers to compare individuals who have aged successfully with those who developed chronic illnesses, dementia or physical frailty.
Hope for future generations
Researchers believe findings from studies like this could eventually improve medical understanding of ageing and contribute to healthier lives for future generations.
Rather than simply extending lifespan, scientists are increasingly focused on extending healthspan—the number of years people remain healthy, active and independent.
For now, however, the inspiring story of Zulina, Zoraide and Levita stands as a remarkable celebration of family, resilience and longevity.
Their combined 316 years of life have not only earned them a place in the Guinness World Records but have also made them invaluable contributors to scientific research that could shape the future of healthy ageing worldwide.
