Researchers reveal the secrets behind the 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera’s long life. From her healthy lifestyle to genetic factors, find out what contributed to her extraordinary longevity.
Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest person at the time of her passing, has left researchers with invaluable insights into the secrets of longevity. Before her death in August 2024, Morera requested that doctors study her, and the results were nothing short of fascinating.
At 117 years old, Morera had already achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the oldest living person in January 2023, after the death of Lucile Randon, who was 118. Her passing has left many wondering how she managed to live such a long and healthy life. Researchers, including Dr. Manel Esteller from the University of Barcelona, took up the challenge of studying Morera’s health in-depth.
The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine on September 24, analyzed a range of biological samples, including her blood, saliva, urine, and stool. What they found was a combination of favorable genetics and a healthy lifestyle that helped Morera maintain her exceptional longevity.
Her Lifestyle: Simplicity, Health, and Positivity
Born in Spain, Morera lived a life grounded in simplicity, work, and balance. She was married for 40 years to a doctor, and together, they raised three children. Later, she became a grandmother and continued to enjoy life with her family at the Residència Santa María del Tura nursing home in Olot, Spain, where she lived for the last 20 years of her life.
Her daughter regularly shared her thoughts and life on social media, where Morera’s positive mindset was a key theme. “Life is not eternal for anyone,” she wrote on X in January 2023. “At my age, a new year is a gift, a humble celebration, a new adventure, a beautiful journey, a moment of happiness. Let’s enjoy life together.”
Morera’s approach to health mirrored her optimistic outlook: she avoided harmful habits like smoking and drinking, choosing instead to stay active. She engaged in moderate exercise, including daily walks, and adhered to a healthy Mediterranean diet. Her diet notably included olive oil and yogurt, with Morera consuming three yogurts a day, which may have helped her manage chronic inflammation—a common cause of aging and disease.
Genetics Played a Key Role
While her lifestyle certainly contributed to her long life, Morera’s genetics also played a significant role. Dr. Esteller and his team discovered that her cells appeared remarkably younger than her actual age, suggesting that her genetics protected her from common ailments like high cholesterol, dementia, heart disease, and cancer.
“She had cells that seemed younger than her age,” Esteller told The New York Times. According to the researchers, Morera’s case shows that extreme old age doesn’t necessarily equate to poor health, and that lifestyle choices combined with favorable genetics can lead to extraordinary longevity.
A Peaceful End
Maria Branyas Morera passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 20, 2024. Her family described her death as “as she wanted: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain.” They also remembered her for her kindness and the wisdom she shared during her long life.
Morera’s legacy, which includes both her lifestyle and genetic traits, has provided researchers with valuable insight into the factors that contribute to long, healthy lives. Her story continues to inspire many around the world, showing that longevity is not simply a matter of luck, but a combination of factors that can be nurtured over a lifetime.
