Maria Branyas Morera, who was 117 when she died peacefully in 2024, became the subject of a groundbreaking study to decode the biology of extreme longevity. Researchers gathered comprehensive data from her bodily fluids and genetic material to understand how she defied the usual health declines of aging.
Dr. Esteller and colleagues concluded that Maria’s long life was a blend of favorable genes and healthy habits, including her diet high in fish, olive oil, and probiotic yogurts, which helped keep inflammation low.
Remarkably, Maria’s genome contained rare genetic variants that protected her from diseases like Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular issues. She remained vibrant well into her final years, living at a nursing home in Olot, Spain, surrounded by family and friends.
Her positive outlook and dedication to well-being emphasize that longevity stems from both nature and nurture.
