**Diary Entry**
I read something fascinating todaya story about an extraordinary woman who lived to the incredible age of 117. Scientists now believe they may have uncovered the secrets behind her remarkable longevity, showing how old age and illness dont always go hand in hand.
Elizabeth Whitmore, the worlds oldest person when she passed away last year in England, had a biological age that seemed far younger than her years. Like many, Ive always been intrigued by supercentenariansthose who reach at least 110and what their lives can teach us about ageing well.
Before her death in August 2024, Elizabeth agreed to assist a team of British researchers in their quest for answers. At 116, she provided samples of her blood, saliva, urine, and stool so they could study her genetics and microbiome, comparing them to larger groups of elderly individuals.
What they discovered was astonishing. Despite her advanced age, Elizabeth had remarkably low inflammation, a gut microbiome that appeared rejuvenated, and an epigenomechanges in gene expressionthat remained surprisingly youthful.
The researchers described her as “one exceptional individual,” noting unusual genetic variations that seemed to shield her from common ailments like heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration, which includes conditions like Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Their findings, published in *Cell Reports Medicine*, provide new insights into healthy ageing, suggesting potential biomarkers and strategies for extending life.
While genetics clearly played a role, the team also examined her lifestyle. Elizabeth consumed around three yoghurts daily, possibly benefiting her gut health and weight. She followed a balanced diet, maintained good sleep patterns, stayed physically active, and enjoyed strong mental wellbeing.
Beyond that, she led a rich social lifereading, playing the piano, and gardeningall signs of a well-rounded existence. The researchers concluded that her case challenges the assumption that ageing and disease are inseparable, proving that under the right conditions, they can indeed be “decoupled.”
It makes me wonderperhaps the key to a long life isnt just in our genes but in how we choose to live.
