Brazil is not known for having a strong and uniform healthcare system. Many people live far from hospitals and medical specialists.
Nevertheless, a surprisingly large number of Brazilians live beyond the age of 100.
This has attracted the attention of researchers, because the high life expectancy cannot be explained by modern treatments or expensive healthcare services.
A global perspective
Research into ageing has often focused on places such as Okinawa and Sardinia, where lifestyle and strong community ties play a major role. Brazil does not fit easily into that picture.
Also read: Trump slashes federal mental health funding, affecting thousands of programs
Many of the very oldest people in Brazil live in poor regions with limited access to healthcare.
The researchers behind a Viewpoint article in the journal Genomic Press point out that these very conditions make Brazil particularly interesting.
When people live long lives without extensive medical support, biology may play a greater role in their health than the systems surrounding them.
The body holds up
In their work, the researchers examined biological samples from more than 100 very elderly Brazilians.
Also read: This level of grip strength is considered healthy for your age group
The results suggest that their bodies are better at maintaining their cells than those of most other older people.
According to the researchers, cellular clean-up processes function more efficiently, and the immune system remains stronger for longer.
This may help explain why many avoid serious age-related diseases, such as heart problems and cancer.
The crucial piece
Brazil has a very distinctive genetic makeup. The country’s population descends from many parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and Japan.
Also read: Oat protein may have a positive effect on blood pressure and cholesterol
The researchers believe that this genetic diversity may provide the body with particular resilience.
In the long term, this insight could influence how healthy ageing is understood in the rest of the world.
Sources: Medical News Today, and Genomic Press.
Also read: 30 minutes less in the chair can extend life, new research shows
Also read: These choices in your 20s and 30s may shape your health for the rest of your life