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remain physically and cognitively resilient at exceptionally advanced ages. 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.”