The Secrets Behind a 117-Year-Old’s Incredible Longevity: How Genetics, Lifestyle, and a Simple Yogurt Played a Role 😲🥛
Many dream of living a long, healthy life, and science is steadily uncovering the factors that make extreme longevity possible. One of the most remarkable examples in recent history is Maria Branyas Morera, whose life offers fascinating insights into how genetics and lifestyle intertwine to create a century-spanning existence.
A Life That Spanned Over a Century
Maria Branyas Morera was born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, seven years before World War I. She lived an extraordinary 117 years, passing away in 2024, and witnessed a world transformed by two global wars, the leadership of 21 U.S. presidents, and remarkable technological advancements.
At age eight, Maria’s family moved to Catalonia, Spain, a journey shadowed by tragedy when her father succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis. Despite this early hardship, Maria built a meaningful life in her adopted homeland, observing decades of social, political, and cultural change while raising three children.
A Special Request to Science
Before her death, Maria made an exceptional request: she asked researchers to study her DNA to uncover the secrets of her extraordinary longevity. Her goal was clear—if science could understand her secrets, they might guide future generations.
A team of Spanish scientists, including experts from the University of Barcelona and the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, began analyzing her genetic material. Their objective was not only to understand why she lived so long but also why she remained healthy and active well into her late years.
Dr. Manel Esteller, the lead investigator, explained: “Typically, aging brings illness, but Maria was the exception. For the first time, we could separate age from poor health.” He stressed that while genetics played a role, lifestyle habits were equally important: “Maria inherited excellent genes, but daily habits amplified their effect. Not everyone can choose their parents, but we can choose how we live.”
Remarkable Health Markers
The findings were astounding. Biologically, Maria appeared 10–15 years younger than her chronological age. She had exceptionally low levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, very high HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and a healthy triglyceride profile.
Her longevity was supported by lifelong habits: regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and maintaining an active social life. Diet played a key role as well. Maria was especially fond of yogurt—particularly the Spanish brand La Fageda, rich in probiotics with anti-inflammatory properties. Her mornings often began with a smoothie made from eight different cereals, reflecting a nutrient-dense, balanced diet.
Scientists also observed unique features in her telomeres—the protective caps on chromosomes. While short telomeres are often linked to aging and disease, Maria’s case suggested they may have a protective role, even limiting the growth of cancerous cells in extreme old age.
The study, led by epigeneticists Eloy Santos-Pujol and Aleix Noguera-Castells, concluded:
“From this exceptional case, we see that advanced age does not inherently mean poor health.”
Genetics and Lifestyle: A Balanced Formula
Dr. Esteller summarized the key takeaway: “Extreme longevity results from a combination of inherited genes and lifestyle choices—roughly fifty-fifty. Both elements work together to support a long, healthy life.”
Her Legacy and Lessons
Maria became the world’s oldest living person after the passing of French nun Sister André in 2023, holding the title until her death on August 19, 2024, at 117 years and 168 days. Remarkably, she also became the oldest known person to recover from COVID-19 in March 2020, speaking publicly about the need to respect and care for the elderly:
“Older people are often forgotten in our society. They gave their lives to build a better world and deserved better in return.”
Maria’s life in Catalonia, surrounded by family, included raising three children and leaving behind 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She shared the habits she believed contributed to her longevity:
“Order, calmness, strong connections with family and friends, time in nature, emotional stability, no regrets, positivity, and avoiding toxic people.”
Even simple daily rituals—like enjoying probiotic yogurt—may have helped maintain a healthy gut and overall well-being.
A Blueprint for Future Generations
Maria Branyas Morera’s life demonstrates that aging does not have to mean declining health. Her combination of robust genetics, mindful lifestyle choices, social engagement, and mental resilience provides inspiration and guidance. For scientists and ordinary people alike, her story offers a window into the possibilities of living not just a long life, but a vibrant, healthy one.
Her DNA and life habits may hold valuable lessons for extending healthy human lifespans, making her life both extraordinary and potentially transformative for future research.
