Maria Branyas Morera, born in the U.S. in 1907 and later living in Catalonia, Spain, passed away in 2024 at 117, having witnessed two world wars, 21 U.S. presidents, and a century of technological change. Before her death, she asked scientists to study her DNA to understand her extraordinary longevity.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona and Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute found she biologically appeared 10–15 years younger, with low “bad” cholesterol, high “good” cholesterol, healthy habits, and a love of yogurt. Unique telomere features may have also helped protect her from disease.
Her longevity stemmed from a mix of genetics and lifestyle. Morera, who became the world’s oldest person in 2023, recovered from COVID-19 at age 112 and advocated for better treatment of the elderly. She credited her long life to family, nature, emotional balance, positivity, and avoiding toxic people.