Many people dream of living a long and healthy life, and science is steadily uncovering clues about what makes extreme longevity possible. One of the most extraordinary cases in recent history is that of Maria Branyas Morera, whose life offers remarkable insights into both genetics and lifestyle. A Life Spanning More Than a Century. Maria Branyas Morera was born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, United States — seven years before the outbreak of World War I. She lived an extraordinary 117 years, passing away in 2024.
Her lifespan spanned more than a century of transformative history, from two world wars and the presidencies of 21 U.S. leaders to sweeping technological advances that reshaped the world. At the age of eight, Maria moved with her family to Catalonia, Spain. The journey was marked by tragedy: her father died from pulmonary tuberculosis during the relocation. Yet Maria went on to live a remarkable and impactful life in her adopted homeland, witnessing decades of social, political, and cultural change.
A Remarkable Request to Science
Before her death, Maria made an extraordinary request: she asked medical researchers to study her DNA to uncover the secrets behind her extraordinary longevity. Hoping her experience could guide future generations, she provided access to tissue samples and agreed to genetic analyses.
A team of Spanish scientists, including researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, undertook the study. Their goal was not only to understand why Maria had lived so long but also why she remained remarkably healthy into her late years.
Dr. Manel Esteller, the lead investigator, explained to The Times: “The common rule is that as we age we become sicker, but she was an exception, and we wanted to understand why. For the first time, we’ve been able to separate being old from being sick.” He emphasized that while genetics played a role, lifestyle and habits were equally crucial: “We can develop drugs to reproduce the effects of good genes. Maria’s parents gave her very good genes, but we cannot choose our parents.”
Extraordinary Health Markers
The study’s findings were astonishing. Biologically, Maria appeared 10 to 15 years younger than her chronological age, making her a sprightly centenarian at 117. She had exceptionally low levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides, alongside very high levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Her healthy physiology was supported by consistent, lifelong habits. Maria exercised regularly, avoided alcohol and tobacco, and maintained an active social life. She also had dietary habits that may have contributed to her longevity. She was particularly fond of yogurt, especially the Spanish brand La Fageda, a probiotic yogurt known for its anti-inflammatory bacteria. Her mornings often began with a smoothie made from eight different cereals, reflecting a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.
Researchers also noted unique characteristics in her telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. While short telomeres are usually associated with higher mortality, Maria’s case suggested that, in extreme old age, they may play a protective role, potentially limiting the growth of cancerous cells.
The study, led by epigeneticists Eloy Santos-Pujol and Aleix Noguera-Castells, concluded:
“The picture that emerges from our study, although derived only from this one exceptional individual, shows that extremely advanced age and poor health are not intrinsically linked.”
The Role of Genetics and Lifestyle
Dr. Esteller summarized the balance of factors contributing to longevity:
“The clues for extreme longevity are a mix between what we inherited from our parents and what we do in our lives. This mix, the percentage depends, but it can be roughly half and half.”
In other words, both inherited genetics and daily lifestyle choices work together to create a foundation for a long, healthy life.
Her Advice and Legacy
Maria became the world’s oldest person after French nun Sister André passed away on January 17, 2023. She held the title until her death on August 19, 2024, at the age of 117 years and 168 days. Remarkably, she also became the oldest person at the time to recover from COVID-19 in March 2020. She spoke publicly about the treatment of the elderly during the pandemic:
“This pandemic has revealed that older people are the forgotten ones of our society. They fought their whole lives, sacrificed time and their dreams for today’s quality of life. They didn’t deserve to leave the world in this way.”
Maria Branyas Morera lived in Catalonia for most of her life, raising three children and leaving a legacy of 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Through her social media presence and interviews, she shared the habits and principles that she believed contributed to her longevity:
“Order, tranquillity, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people.”
Her life demonstrates the powerful combination of strong genetics, healthy living, social connection, and mental resilience. Even something as simple as a daily serving of probiotic yogurt may have contributed to a balanced gut microbiome and overall well-being.
A Lesson for Future Generations
Maria’s story serves as both inspiration and guidance. Aging does not have to mean declining health, and a life well-lived can span more than a century when genetics, diet, and lifestyle converge. Her DNA and habits provide valuable clues for scientists seeking to extend healthy human lifespan, making her life not only remarkable but potentially transformative for future research.