Maria Branyas Morera revealed her secrets to living 117 years

Maria Branyas Morera, who passed away at the impressive age of 117 years and 168 days in August 2024, was the oldest known person in the world at the time of her death. Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, she moved to Spain at the age of eight. Throughout her life, she experienced significant historical events, including two world wars and two pandemics, and had a family of three children and 13 great-grandchildren, all contributing to her rich legacy. Her longevity became a subject of scientific study at the University of Barcelona, where Dr. Manel Esteller and his team dedicated three years to understanding what factors contributed to her extraordinary life span. The research focused not only on her genetic makeup, which included several genetic variants believed to confer protective benefits against various disorders, but also on her lifestyle choices. Branyas maintained a healthy diet, rich in fish, olive oil, and dairy products, particularly yogurt. She consumed three plain yogurts daily, which researchers suggest may have played a role in promoting a healthy gut microbiome, combating chronic inflammation, and preventing diseases associated with aging. Dr. Esteller emphasized that both genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices are crucial elements contributing to longevity. One of the significant findings from the study was the identification of particular genes associated with healthy aging, which could potentially serve as new targets for drug development in the future. Researchers noted that while the effects of Branyas' yogurt consumption on her gut health could not be definitively established, it is believed to have contributed positively to her overall health and aging process. Furthermore, her life illustrated that advanced age does not necessarily equate to poor health, as she was free of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia throughout her long life. Despite the valuable insights gained from studying Maria Branyas Morera, experts caution that it is important to remain cautious in interpreting results derived from studies centered on a single subject. Other researchers highlighted that individual cases may not represent broader population trends and that many factors affect longevity. As a result, while Branyas’ life and the findings from her analysis are significant, broader studies are necessary to draw universally applicable conclusions regarding longevity and healthy aging.