Maria Branyas Morera passed away in 2024 at the age of 117 years and 168 days, recognized as the world’s oldest known person. Her life was extraordinary: she survived two world wars, two pandemics, raised three children, and saw 13 great-grandchildren grow up. Before she passed, she asked doctors to study her health and uncover the secret to her long life.
Maria’s story is inspiring not just because of the numbers but for the everyday wisdom she lived by: she loved reading, walking, and staying active while caring deeply for her family and friends.
Her Genes and Habits Both Played a Role
Dr. Manel Esteller, head of genetics at the University of Barcelona’s Medical School, studied Branyas’s health for three years. The findings, first reported in Cell Reports Medicine, showed that her longevity wasn’t down to just one factor but a delicate balance between genetics and lifestyle.
Esteller noted that Maria had exceptional genes protecting her from many diseases, including several unique genetic variants never seen before – as reported by CBS News.
But it wasn’t just genetics. Maria never smoked or drank alcohol. Her diet was rich in fish, olive oil, and yogurt. She ate three servings of plain, unsweetened yogurt daily, which likely supported her gut health and helped reduce inflammation.
The Yogurt That "Gives Life"
Yogurt wasn’t just a tasty breakfast for Maria. Esteller points out that chronic inflammation is a key driver of aging and disease. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that could support our bodies in this way.
The study notes it can’t fully confirm that the dominance of good gut bacteria was entirely due to yogurt consumption, since that would require long-term research with samples collected over years.
Still, it’s likely that eating yogurt helped modulate her gut flora, contributing to her well-being and impressive age. Maria was a true yogurt fan and once said on social media: "It gives life."
She also spent most days actively: reading, walking in the park, chatting with family, and keeping a balanced diet. Scientists agree this balanced lifestyle was just as important as her genetics.
She Lived Not Just Long, But Healthy
The real miracle wasn’t just Maria’s long life but her health: she didn’t suffer from cancer, heart disease, or dementia.
Samples for the research came from four sources: peripheral blood, saliva, urine, and stool, collected at different times. This allowed scientists to map the genetic and lifestyle factors behind longevity and explore how a balanced diet, healthy gut flora, and mindful living contribute to a long life.
Scientists emphasize the limits: aging and extraordinary longevity are likely highly individual processes, so drawing broad conclusions from a single case should be done carefully.
One thing’s clear: Maria’s example is truly inspiring, showing that the secret to a long life lies not only in genetics but in healthy, active daily living.
