Scientists sample Sarasota centenarian's DNA for study

Living to be 100 years old is an accomplishment most don’t ever experience. But thanks to Sarasota resident Marion Koenig, who turned 100 in November, members of future generations may also be able to enjoy longer lives.

Koenig, along with many other centenarians across the country, has volunteered to donate a sample of her DNA to be studied with the hope of determining what types of genetic qualities allow people to live extraordinarily long lives.

The study is part of a competition called the Archon Genomics X PRIZE. The competition, presented by Medco Health Solutions, will present teams with the task of ordering 100 sets of DNA samples from centenarian donors with the goal of unlocking the secret to a longer life and developing more personalized medical care. The results will be compiled into a public database for other researchers and scientists to access.

Koenig, who is originally from Atlantic City, N.J., has seen her share of changes throughout her life but said her fondest memories are of getting married and having her daughter.

She and her husband, Marvin, enjoyed 21 years of marriage before he died at age 57. Today, Koenig sees many similarities between him and her daughter, Karen.

“He was very bright and well-liked,” Koenig said. “He and my daughter are a lot alike. He was very funny, friendly and outgoing, and he was an optimist.”

She and Marvin enjoyed many activities together, including traveling throughout Europe and dancing.

“I loved to dance,” Koenig said. “We were always the first ones out on the dance floor. It always embarrassed me, but not him.”

When daughter Karen and her husband decided to move to Florida, Marion moved with them, and she spent 28 years living in northern Miami.

“I loved it,” Koenig said. “It was quite the change.”

Karen, her husband and Koenig then moved to Massachusetts before finally settling in Sarasota. Koenig, anxious to return to warmer weather, was delighted to be back in Florida.

Koenig recently decided to participate in the DNA study after Karen read about it in the newspaper. She said she isn’t sure why she’s been able to live such a long life but suspects healthy choices earlier in life could have played a role.

“I never smoked, and I never drank,” she said. “I just never liked it.”

As for advice for younger generations, Koenig’s advice is simple.

“Be your own person,” she said. “Always be yourself.”