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Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity: Lessons from a 117-Year-Old

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 05:30:56 GMT
Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity: Lessons from a 117-Year-Old

In a world captivated by the pursuit of long and healthy lives, the stories of those who have defied the conventional limits of aging offer a compelling roadmap. Among these remarkable individuals is Maria Branyas Morera, a Spanish-American woman who, until her passing in August 2024, held the title of the world's oldest person at an astonishing 117 years old. Her exceptionally long and relatively healthy life has been the subject of intense scientific scrutiny, providing us with a unique window into the multifaceted secrets of longevity.

Born in San Francisco in 1907, Branyas moved to Catalonia, Spain, in 1915 and lived through two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and two global pandemics, even recovering from COVID-19 at the age of 113. Before her death, she bequeathed her body to science, allowing researchers a rare opportunity to unravel the mysteries of her extreme longevity. The subsequent study, a deep dive into her biology, has illuminated a fascinating interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and perhaps a bit of luck.

The Genetic Lottery: An Inherited Advantage

A significant piece of the longevity puzzle for Maria Branyas appears to be her exceptional genetic makeup. Scientists who studied her samples discovered a number of rare genetic variants linked to a robust immune system, a healthy heart, and a protected brain. In fact, a close examination of her DNA revealed gene variants that defended her against heart disease and dementia. Furthermore, she did not carry certain common gene mutations that are linked to late-life diseases such as Alzheimer's.

The study, led by Dr. Manel Esteller at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona, concluded that Branyas's cells behaved as if they were much younger than her chronological age. Analysis using epigenetic clocks, which measure biological age, indicated she was significantly "younger" than her 117 years. One such clock estimated her to be about 23 years younger than her calendar age. This suggests her body had a remarkable ability to slow down the aging process.

Interestingly, while her body showed some clear signs of old age, such as exceptionally short telomeres (the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes), these may have conferred an unexpected advantage. Scientists theorize that the short lifespan of her cells might have prevented cancer from proliferating. This highlights that the relationship between biological markers and aging can be complex and sometimes counterintuitive in supercentenarians.

A Lifestyle of Moderation and Wholesome Choices

While genetics undoubtedly played a crucial role, Branyas's daily habits and environment were also significant contributors to her long and healthy life. Her lifestyle was characterized by moderation and a focus on well-being. She never smoked, did not drink alcohol, and remained physically active with daily walks for as long as she was able.

Her diet was a cornerstone of her healthy aging, closely mirroring the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. This way of eating emphasizes fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish. One of her most noted dietary habits was the daily consumption of yogurt. Branyas was a firm believer in its benefits, reportedly eating plain yogurt without added sugar, which helps replenish the gut with beneficial bacteria and combat inflammation. Research on her gut microbiome revealed a high level of "good" bacteria, which likely contributed to her overall health and well-being. She also practiced moderation in her eating, always consuming small portions.

The Power of a Positive and Socially Connected Life

Beyond diet and exercise, Maria Branyas emphasized the importance of mental and social well-being. She credited her longevity in part to "avoiding toxic people" and fostering strong family ties to ward off loneliness. Her life in the Spanish city of Olot was marked by a good social life with friends and family nearby, which experts believe contributed to her vitality.

She was also known for her positive outlook, embracing life with no worries or regrets. This mental resilience is a recurring theme among many who live to extreme old age. Her mind remained sharp, and she even became active on social media in her later years, sharing her wisdom with the world. This mental engagement is crucial for healthy aging.

Lessons from Other Longevity Titans

The story of Maria Branyas is not an isolated case. Other supercentenarians offer corroborating and sometimes contrasting insights into the art of living long.

Jeanne Calment, the Frenchwoman who holds the record for the oldest verified person at 122 years and 164 days, also lived a remarkably active life. She enjoyed fencing, cycling, tennis, swimming, and roller-skating in her youth and continued to cycle until she was 100. Like Branyas, she consumed a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil. However, Calment also had habits that would not typically be associated with longevity, such as smoking until she was 117. This suggests that a complex interplay of factors, including robust genetics, can sometimes override certain lifestyle risks. Calment also attributed her long life to laughter and a positive outlook. Kane Tanaka of Japan, who lived to be 119, offered yet another perspective. She credited her long life to staying mentally active by studying mathematics and playing the board game Othello. She also emphasized the importance of family, a good night's sleep, and keeping a positive and hopeful attitude. Interestingly, Tanaka was known for her love of fizzy drinks like Coca-Cola, demonstrating that occasional indulgences may not derail a long life when other foundational pillars of health are in place. Her life also highlighted the importance of having a sense of purpose; she worked in her family's grocery store until she was 103.

The Synthesis: A Blueprint for a Longer, Healthier Life

The lives of Maria Branyas and other supercentenarians reveal that there is no single magic bullet for longevity. Instead, it appears to be a complex tapestry woven from several threads:

  • Genetics: An inherited predisposition for a long and healthy life seems to be a significant factor for many who reach extreme old age.
  • Diet: A diet rich in nutrients and low in processed foods, such as the Mediterranean diet, appears to be a common denominator. The potential benefits of probiotics from foods like yogurt are also gaining scientific attention.
  • Active Lifestyle: Regular physical activity, even moderate exercise like daily walks, is crucial for maintaining physical function and overall health.
  • Mental and Social Well-being: A positive outlook, strong social connections, and avoiding stress are consistently highlighted as important for a long and fulfilling life.
  • Moderation: Avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and practicing portion control, are key principles.
  • Sense of Purpose: Staying engaged with life, whether through work, hobbies, or community involvement, contributes to mental and physical vitality.

Ultimately, while we cannot choose our genes, the life of Maria Branyas Morera and others like her provide invaluable and inspiring lessons. They demonstrate that the choices we make every day regarding our diet, activity levels, social interactions, and outlook on life can have a profound impact on our health and longevity. The secrets they've unlocked are not about a single elixir of life, but rather a holistic approach to living well, a message that resonates with all of us, no matter our age.

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