Maria Branyas Morera, who was the world’s oldest person before she died in Spain last August at age 117, attributed her long life to “luck and good genetics.” New research suggests she may have been right. A team led by Manel Esteller, a genetics professor at the University of Barcelona, explored the genetic secrets behind the woman’s 117-year longevity.
Their research revealed that her cells functioned as if they were 17 years younger than her actual age. Even more remarkable, her gut bacteria closely resembled an infant’s, highlighting a key factor in her extraordinary longevity.
Branyas, born in San Francisco in 1907, moved to Spain with her family in 1915 during World War I and spent most of her life in Catalonia. She lived through major world events, including the Spanish Civil War, World War II, the 1918 flu pandemic, and COVID-19. She contracted COVID-19 in 2020 at age 113 during Spain’s initial outbreak but recovered without symptoms, making global headlines.
Genetic secrets behind longevity
While genetics helped Branyas’ longevity, researchers noted that her lifestyle choices contributed significantly. She followed a Mediterranean diet, including eating three yogurts daily, avoided smoking and alcohol, and remained physically active with regular walks.
She also prioritized emotional well-being, surrounding herself with family and maintaining a positive outlook.
Woman who lived to age 117 had genes keeping her cells ‘younger’, study shows | Ramon Antonio Vargas, The Guardian
Maria Branyas Morera, US-born supercentenarian who died in Spain last August, found to have microbiota of an infant
The US-born woman who was the world’s oldest… pic.twitter.com/4t7Cg86UnY
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) March 14, 2025
In an interview with Guinness World Records, she listed key factors for a long life: “order, tranquility, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity and staying away from toxic people.”
According to Esteller, Branyas’s case challenges the assumption that aging and illness are always linked. Despite her advanced age, she remained mentally sharp and suffered only minor health issues, such as joint pain and hearing loss.
Scientific implications and future research
Branyas’ unique biology is providing new insights into aging. Her case is considered one of the most detailed studies of a supercentenarian—someone who lives past 110. Scientists hope studying her DNA and microbiome research will help develop treatments for age-related diseases.
This study “challenges the perception that [the two] are inexorably linked,” Esteller said. Understanding these factors could lead to new ways to prevent age-related illnesses.
Her extraordinary longevity has renewed scientific interest in why some individuals live significantly longer than others. Researchers are now exploring whether similar genetic patterns exist in other supercentenarians.
Branyas became the world’s oldest person in January 2023, following the death of 118-year-old French nun Lucile Randon. She spent her final two decades in a nursing home in Olot, Spain, where she died on August 19.
Her legacy continues to inspire longevity research. As of Wednesday, Brazil’s Inah Canabarro Lucas, 116, is recognized as the world’s oldest living person, according to LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks supercentenarians.