The dream of living a long and healthy life has fascinated humanity for centuries. While modern medicine and lifestyle choices can play a role, scientists have uncovered even deeper insights by studying the extraordinary case of Maria Branyas Morera. Living to the remarkable age of 117, Maria was officially recognized as the world’s oldest woman before her passing in August 2024. Now, researchers believe her longevity was far from accidental—it was deeply rooted in both her genetic makeup and the habits she maintained throughout her life.
Maria, who was born in San Francisco in 1907 before moving to Spain with her family in 1915, lived through world wars, technological revolutions, and countless global changes. Despite witnessing over a century of history, she remained in exceptional health for the vast majority of her life. Her resilience sparked the curiosity of scientists at Barcelona University, who decided to conduct an in-depth study of her DNA, microbiome, and overall lifestyle.
What they found was nothing short of astonishing. Maria’s body exhibited biological traits more commonly associated with much younger individuals. Her microbiome—meaning the collection of bacteria and microorganisms in her gut—resembled that of a child rather than an elderly person. This discovery alone suggested that her digestive and immune systems were functioning at a much higher efficiency than expected for someone of her age.
A leading genetics professor involved in the study, Manel Esteller, made an eye-opening revelation. According to his research, Maria’s unique genetic composition had effectively slowed down her biological aging process by approximately 17 years. In other words, while she was 117 on paper, her body operated similarly to that of a centenarian in their early 100s. This, combined with her lifestyle, gave her an incredible advantage in maintaining her health well beyond the average human lifespan.
Maria’s family had long suspected that she possessed rare physical resilience. Her daughter, Rosa Moret, once mentioned that her mother was rarely ever sick. In fact, she had no major illnesses or chronic conditions until the very last stages of her life. Even then, the only signs of aging she experienced were mild declines in eyesight, hearing, and memory—far less than what is typically seen in individuals over 100.
Beyond her genetics, Maria’s daily habits played an equally crucial role in extending her lifespan. She followed a strict Mediterranean diet, which is often linked to long-term health benefits. Her diet was rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil, and she consumed three yogurts a day. Scientists believe this routine contributed to the balanced microbiome that helped her maintain a strong immune system and stable blood sugar levels.
Unlike many who develop high cholesterol with age, Maria’s cholesterol remained at an optimal level, her blood sugar regulation was described as “exceptional,” and her immune system functioned with remarkable efficiency. Another key factor? She never smoked or drank alcohol, avoiding two of the most common culprits behind age-related diseases.
But longevity isn’t just about food and genetics—Maria also lived an emotionally fulfilling life. She remained physically active, regularly taking walks even in her later years. She was surrounded by a strong support system of family and loved ones, which researchers suggest may have played a psychological role in keeping her body and mind healthy. Loneliness and stress are known to accelerate aging, yet Maria was always engaged in a warm, loving environment, which may have been a critical factor in her extended lifespan.
The results of the study go beyond just explaining Maria’s remarkable life—they offer hope for the future of aging science. Researchers believe that her genetic traits and lifestyle choices could lead to breakthroughs in anti-aging medicine. By identifying specific genetic markers and microbiome patterns, scientists could one day develop therapies that help slow down the aging process for future generations.
One of the most powerful takeaways from Maria’s case is the idea that aging does not have to be synonymous with illness. The researchers behind the study concluded that her life challenges the assumption that old age automatically means deteriorating health. As reported by Spain’s EFE news service, the study’s findings suggest that with the right combination of genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle, people may be able to remain healthy and active well beyond what is currently considered normal.
Maria’s passing in August 2024 marked the end of an extraordinary life, but her legacy lives on. She left behind not only memories for her family but also a scientific blueprint that could change how we think about aging. Following her death, the title of the world’s oldest living person was passed on to Inah Canabarro Lucas, a 116-year-old Brazilian nun born in 1908. While the search for the ultimate key to longevity continues, Maria Branyas Morera’s life provides one of the clearest examples yet of how science, diet, and lifestyle choices intersect to create a longer, healthier existence.