University embarks on longevity research

University embarks on longevity research

Researchers at the University of the West Indies (UWI) will be trying to discover the secret of longevity from Jamaica’s late oldest citizen.

The body of supercentenarian Violet Moss Brown has been donated to University of the West Indies for scientific research.

Family members say it was the wish of the 117-year-old woman, who held the record as the oldest living person up until her death on Sept. 15, 2017.

Her body will be sent of the Department of Anatomy and Physiology so medical students will be able to basically look at her body, do experiments, see, for instance, why was a 117-year-old woman so clear in her mind.

Her granddaughter Beverly Davis said she is hoping they will find information that will benefit not only Jamaica, but the entire world.

Her son, Sylvera Russell said turning over his mother’s body to the university was in fulfilment of her request.

The body of Moss Brown, who was affectionately known as “Aunt V,” was turned over to the University of the West Indies, a day after a thanksgiving service at Trittonville Baptist Church in her community.