Oldest Trio in the World (Brazil)
A trio of sisters from Brazil has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living siblings. Their combined age reaches 316 years. The verification process was conducted by LongeviQuest, an international organization that works with Guinness World Records. Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, noted that reaching such an advanced age points to a powerful genetic component and underscores the importance of strong family bonds.
These three sisters live in Rio de Janeiro. The eldest, 109-year-old Levita de Deus Nunes, worked in television and was also a folk artisan. Her sister, 104-year-old Zoraide de Deus Mota, worked as a nurse and raised five children. The youngest of the sisters, 103-year-old Zulina de Deus Nunes, dedicated her life to her family and raising children.
Zulina recalled her happy childhood: 'I had a happy childhood and a wonderful youth. I have nothing to complain about.'
The sisters also shared what they believe contributes to their longevity, including:
- genetics
- family support
- healthy eating
- an active lifestyle
- breastfeeding
Zoraide emphasized the importance of breastfeeding, saying, 'Breastfeeding is extremely important.' Zulina, reflecting on her childhood, added, 'Everything was fresh. There were no refrigerators back then.'
Separately, the article also mentions British woman Margaret Ham, who turned 100 on June 27. She lives independently and moves around her home on her own. Her secret to longevity reportedly includes marmalade, strong tea, and cigarettes. Her 47-year-old granddaughter, Rachel Matthews, provides her with support.
Ultimately, the stories of the three Brazilian sisters and Margaret Ham highlight different aspects of longevity—including genetic factors, dietary habits, and family connections—that may influence how long people live.
Being recognized as the world’s oldest trio not only celebrates the sisters’ extraordinary age but also draws attention to the value of family ties and a healthy lifestyle. Research into longevity is becoming increasingly relevant as society seeks to understand how various factors—such as genetics and nutrition—interact to support a longer life. This discovery could serve as a foundation for further studies in gerontology and healthy aging.