Maria Branyas Morera Lived 117 Years Showing That Good Genes, Diet, Activity, and Relationships Extend Life

As people age, many start worrying about death. People surrounded by love from their family wish to live a few more days. Scientists have brought good news for such people. They studied a woman who lived 117 years and uncovered the secrets to a long life.

Do you also dream of living a long life? If yes, then here’s good news for you. Recently, scientists studied the DNA of a 117-year-old woman. The research revealed that her extraordinary longevity was largely due to her unique genes and healthy lifestyle. Maria Branyas Morera from Spain was the world's oldest woman. She witnessed historic events like World War I and the Spanish Civil War. She passed away in August 2024 at the age of 117. Her daughter Rosa Moret shared that Maria never suffered from serious illnesses, and her memory, hearing, and sight remained strong until the very end.

Researchers from Barcelona University studied Maria’s microbiome and DNA, revealing surprising results. Her microbiome was similar to that of a child. Moreover, her genes were quite unique, making her biological age about 17 years younger than her actual age. This means her body age was about 100 years, not 117. Thanks to her healthy lifestyle, she extended her life by 17 more years. Maria had good cholesterol levels, excellent blood sugar, and a healthy lifestyle. Scientists believe this was the reason she remained healthy for so long. They hope Maria’s DNA study will help in developing anti-aging medicines and identify foods that aid longevity.

You might wonder what exactly Maria did differently to live so long. Let us share her secret. Maria’s diet mainly included yogurt, which kept good bacteria in her digestive system. She never drank alcohol or smoked cigarettes. Her meals were light and nutritious, avoiding oily and spicy foods. She was always happy, finding joy in small things. She spent ample time with family, which helped reduce mental stress.