Scientists Uncover Secrets Of Longevity In DNA And Diet Of Spanish Woman Who Lived To 117

Maria Branyas Morera, the World’s Oldest Woman, lived an extraordinary life marked by remarkable longevity

Most of us dream of living a long and healthy life. Now, scientists believe they may have uncovered some key lifestyle habits that contribute to extreme longevity by studying the DNA and diet of a woman who lived to be 117 years old.

Maria Branyas Morera passed away in August 2024 at the age of 117 in Spain. Before her death, she held the title of the world’s oldest person, officially recognized by Guinness World Records in January 2023.

Researchers now claim that Maria’s exceptional longevity may be linked to both her genetic makeup and the daily habits that shaped her life. Their findings suggest that specific biological factors, along with a consistently healthy lifestyle, played a crucial role in helping her live well beyond the average lifespan.

117 year old maria previously held the world title as the oldest person aliveSky News

To better understand what made Maria’s body so resilient, scientists at Barcelona University analyzed her DNA and microbiome. Their research revealed that Maria had a microbiome comparable to that of a much younger person, as well as what they called a “privileged genome.”

Genetics professor Manel Esteller, who led the study, explained that Maria’s unique genetic traits made her biological age approximately 17 years younger than her actual age. Her daughter, Rosa Moret, also reflected on her mother’s remarkable health, sharing that Maria was rarely ever sick throughout her life, which she believes contributed to her longevity.

Even in her final years, Maria only started to experience some loss of vision, memory, and hearing shortly before her passing.

In addition to her genetics, researchers found that Maria had optimal cholesterol levels, excellent blood sugar regulation, and a well-balanced immune system. She followed a traditional Mediterranean diet, which included three yogurts daily. She also avoided smoking and alcohol entirely, preferring to stay active by taking walks and spending time with loved ones.

Scientists believe these lifestyle choices played a major role in keeping her body strong and resilient for more than a century.

The findings from this study may help advance anti-aging medicine and provide valuable insights into the types of foods and habits that support a longer, healthier life.

Researchers concluded that Maria’s case challenges the assumption that aging inevitably leads to illness. As reported by Spain’s EFE news service, they stated that their study results “challenge the perception that [the two] are inexorably linked.”

Researchers found life-extending hacks from Maria’s DNA and dietSky News

Maria was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907, after her parents immigrated from Spain and Mexico to the United States. However, during World War I, her family returned to Spain in 1915, eventually settling in Catalonia.

Following her passing, the title of the world’s oldest living person now belongs to Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun born on June 8, 1908, who is currently 116 years old.

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