07/16/2026
In Rio de Janeiro, three sisters—Levita de Deus Nunes, Zoraide de Deus Mota, and Zulina de Deus Nunes—have been officially recognized as the oldest living trio of siblings. Their combined age reached an extraordinary 316 years and 302 days, making their story one of the rarest family records ever documented.
At the time of recognition, Levita was 109 years old, Zoraide was 104, and Zulina was 103. Together, they represent more than a century of shared life experiences, spanning major global transformations—from the era of early radio and black-and-white television to today’s digital world filled with smartphones and social media.
Even though each sister followed her own path in life, their journeys remained deeply connected. Levita spent years working in crafts and later worked with a television network, where she saw media evolve firsthand. Zoraide dedicated her life to nursing, caring for patients and supporting families through health challenges. Zulina focused on raising six children, building a large and close-knit family of her own.
Over the decades, they witnessed both joyful and difficult moments—family celebrations, losses, and the everyday routines that slowly shape a long life. According to family accounts, they grew up with simple habits, including fresh food and an active lifestyle, which they believe may have contributed to their longevity.
At the same time, researchers note that genetics may also play an important role. Scientists from the University of São Paulo DNA Longevo Project are studying their DNA to better understand the biological factors behind extreme longevity and healthy aging.
What makes their story truly special is not just their age, but the fact that three sisters reached such milestones together—sharing the same roots, memories, and bond across more than a century of life.