Maria Branyas Morera was a Spanish supercentenarian who lived an extraordinary life, reaching the remarkable age of 117 before passing away in 2024. Her long life spanned some of the most transformative moments in human history, including two world wars, the terms of 21 American presidents, and a technological revolution that reshaped the world from the time of her birth.
Born in the United States in 1907, Maria moved to Catalonia, Spain, in 1915, where she would spend the rest of her life. Over more than a century, she witnessed the evolution of society, medicine, and technology—from horse-drawn carriages and handwritten letters to electric cars and artificial intelligence.
In the final years of her life, Maria expressed a noble wish: she wanted doctors to study her DNA in hopes that understanding her unique biology might help others live longer, healthier lives. This request inspired a groundbreaking scientific study led by researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.
According to a report by The Mirror, the team collected biological samples from Maria and analyzed her cells, genetic structure, and overall health markers. Their aim was to determine what made her not only live so long but remain remarkably healthy well into old age.
Speaking to The Times, Dr. Manel Esteller, the principal investigator, said, “The common rule is that as we age, we become sicker. But Maria was an exception, and we wanted to understand why. For the first time, we’ve been able to separate being old from being sick.”
Dr. Esteller continued: “We can now envision developing treatments that replicate the benefits of having ‘good genes.’ Maria’s parents gifted her with excellent genetics, but since we can't choose our parents, we must look at ways to mimic these effects through science.”
One of the study’s most fascinating findings was that, despite being 117 chronologically, Maria was biologically equivalent to someone 10 to 15 years younger. Her body functioned more like that of someone in their early 100s—a "young" centenarian. She exhibited exceptionally low levels of harmful cholesterol and triglycerides, alongside unusually high levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol.
Maria’s lifestyle also appeared to play a vital role in her longevity. She maintained a clean and active lifestyle—never smoked, rarely drank alcohol, and stayed physically and mentally engaged. Social connections were important to her, and she remained intellectually curious and socially active well into her later years.
Another intriguing aspect of her daily routine was her diet. Maria was particularly fond of a probiotic yogurt from the Spanish brand La Fageda, which she consumed regularly. This yogurt contains beneficial bacteria known for reducing inflammation, a factor believed to influence aging and disease.
Her typical morning began with a hearty smoothie packed with eight different types of cereals, providing fiber, nutrients, and sustained energy. This balanced, nutrient-rich diet likely contributed to her robust health.
Yet, despite her good genes and healthy habits, Maria's biology presented some surprising contrasts. Scientists discovered significant erosion in her telomeres—the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that usually shorten with age. While short telomeres are generally associated with a higher risk of disease and mortality, in Maria's case, they may have served a protective role. According to Science Alert, these shorter telomeres could have potentially restricted the growth of harmful cells, such as cancerous ones.
As epigeneticists Eloy Santos-Pujol and Aleix Noguera-Castells noted, “The picture that emerges from our study, although derived only from this one exceptional individual, shows that extremely advanced age and poor health are not intrinsically linked.”
Dr. Esteller concluded the research with a powerful takeaway: “The clues for extreme longevity are a mix between what we inherit from our parents and the choices we make in our lives. That mix varies from person to person, but it’s often about 50/50.”
Maria Branyas Morera's story serves as a powerful reminder of the interplay between genetics, lifestyle, and environment in shaping human longevity. Her life not only set records but also opened new doors for scientific understanding of what it means to grow old—gracefully, and perhaps, even healthily.