Key points from article :
The recent death of Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest person at 117, has sparked interest in the secrets to her long life. However, scientists caution against taking health advice from centenarians like her. Maria attributed her longevity to a positive lifestyle, including emotional stability, connection with nature, and avoiding toxic people. Yet, experts like Professor Richard Faragher argue that these personal habits may not be the real reasons behind such extraordinary lifespans.
Faragher suggests two main theories for why some people live beyond 100: luck and genetics. He warns against the "survivorship bias," where people assume that the habits of long-lived individuals are the key to their longevity. In reality, these centenarians might simply have genetic advantages or have been fortunate enough to avoid life-threatening conditions, despite often engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking or poor diets.
The article emphasizes that while individual luck and genetics play a role, broader factors like improved healthcare, hygiene, and vaccinations have significantly increased life expectancy over the past century. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of public health measures and the need for environments that promote healthier lifestyle choices, while also acknowledging that the reality of living past 100 is not always as glamorous as it appears.
