Three Brazilian sisters with a combined age of 316 have been named by Guinness World Records ​as the oldest living trio of siblings in the world.

 Three Brazilian sisters with a combined age of 316 have been named by Guinness World Records ​as the oldest living trio of siblings in the world. 

Researchers are now studying the sisters to find ‌out the secret to longevity. 

The DNA Longevo Project, a study led by scientist Mayana Zatz from the University of Sao Paulo, aims to investigate the biological factors behind aging. 

The sisters, Zulina de Deus Nunes, 103, Zoraide de ​Deus Mota, 104, and Levita de Deus Nunes, 109, who live in Rio de Janeiro, were ​identified through LongeviQuest, a global organization that verifies longevity records and partners with Guinness World Records. 
 

The three sisters credit their longevity to a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. 

Zulina ​recalled a childhood spent ​swimming and fishing in rivers. 

"Everything ⁠was fresh. We didn't have a refrigerator," she said. 

"Breastfeeding is incredibly important," Zoraide added. 

The sisters otherwise led fairly ordinary lives. Levita worked as a craftswoman and ​later at a television network. Zoraide worked as a nurse and raised five ​children, while ⁠Zulina, a stay-at-home mom, raised six. 
 

Levita looks back on her life without regrets. 

She said: "I had a good childhood and adolescence. I can't complain." 

Findings from the three sisters' case could help scientists better understand why some people remain ​physically and cognitively resilient at exceptionally advanced ages. 

"When sisters reach that age, ‌there ⁠is clearly a strong genetic component," said Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest. "But because they live near each other, they also have a support network, with family able to help when needed. There is definitely a community aspect as well." 

Researchers will compare nonagenarians and centenarians with people who ​have developed frailty, cognitive decline or chronic diseases, seeking traits linked to longevity. 

"Through ⁠DNA testing, we look for protective genes, and we know there are several of them," said Zatz, ​who coordinates the university's Human Genome Research Center. "The more people we have who live past 100, especially ​families with multiple centenarians, the more accurate our research will be in identifying them." 

Scientists believe inherited factors may play a larger role than environmental influences in preserving health and function later in life.

Researchers hope to understand how genetic factors, rather than lifestyle, help protect the heart, muscles, ⁠and cognitive ​function from the ravages of aging. 

The study's goal, said researcher ​Joao Paulo Guilherme, who works with Zatz, "is to reach 500 centenarians so we can draw more definitive conclusions about longevity."

See video below.