Scientists Reveal How DNA and Diet Contributed to 117-Year-Old Woman’s Longevity

At 117 years old, Maria once held the title of the world’s oldest living person.

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• March 20, 2025

Maria Branyas Morera lived to 117, and somehow she did it without the usual drama of aging. Her daughter, Rosa Moret, says Maria stayed remarkably healthy for most of her life, with the slow slide into vision, hearing, and memory issues only showing up near the end.

So here’s where it gets interesting, and complicated. Researchers dug into Maria’s DNA and gut microbiome and found a “child-like microbiome” plus a “privileged genome,” while her labs stayed in the sweet spot for cholesterol, blood sugar, and immune balance. Then you look at the human side too, three yogurts a day, Mediterranean staples on repeat, no smoking, no alcohol, and daily walking with her family and friends in Catalonia through everything the 20th century threw at them.

The real twist is how her biology and her everyday routine seem to have worked together for over a century.

Maria Branyas Morera Holds the Title of the World’s Oldest Woman, Exemplifying Extraordinary Longevity.

Maria’s daughter, Rosa Moret, said her mother rarely got sick. She noted that it wasn’t until the very end of her life that Maria experienced declines in vision, hearing, and memory. Even then, these changes happened slowly, suggesting a sustained period of good health rather than a sudden drop-off.

Lifestyle factors appear to have complemented Maria’s genetic advantages. She followed a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and moderate dairy, eating three yogurts every day. She never smoked or drank alcohol, habits commonly linked to poorer health outcomes. Instead, Maria walked regularly, maintained an active daily routine, and prioritized spending time with family and friends.

Researchers at Barcelona University Analyzed the Microbiome and DNA of 117-Year-Old Maria Branyas Morera, Uncovering That She Possessed a “Child-Like Microbiome” Alongside a “Privileged Genome.”

The research team also measured Maria’s health markers and found ideal cholesterol levels, excellent blood sugar regulation, and a balanced immune response. While these indicators typically decline with age, Maria’s values stayed within healthy ranges well into her second century of life.

Beyond offering a glimpse into the biology of aging, Maria’s case challenges the notion that getting older must mean becoming frail or sick. Researchers hope that understanding how her genes and lifestyle choices interacted could inform new anti-aging treatments and dietary recommendations aimed at preserving health as we age.

Rosa Moret’s description of Maria only declining at the very end makes the rest of the story feel even more intentional.

That Mediterranean routine, with three yogurts daily and zero alcohol or smoking, suddenly sounds less like trivia and more like a clue.

Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco to Spanish and Mexican parents, Maria moved back to Spain with her family in 1915. She spent most of her life in Catalonia, experiencing the upheavals of the 20th century while building deep social connections and maintaining simple, healthy habits.

After Maria’s passing, the title of the world’s oldest living person now belongs to Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun aged 116. While surpassing 100 years of age remains exceptional, Maria’s story shows that a combination of genetics, diet, movement, and meaningful relationships may help anyone looking to age well.

And if you think family pressure is intense, the AITA poster refusing to help her sister with wedding costs adds fuel to the debate.

When the researchers report a child-like microbiome and a privileged genome, it raises the question of what “staying in range” actually looked like for Maria.

A diet rich in whole foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, can greatly enhance health and lifespan. Nutrient-dense foods can reduce inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases.

Moreover, studies suggest that maintaining a balanced gut microbiome through a healthy diet contributes to overall wellness. Regular consumption of fermented foods and prebiotics can help support gut health, which may be associated with a longer life.

Beyond diet, social connections significantly impact longevity.

And after Maria’s birth in 1907 and her move back to Spain in 1915, you can see how deep connections in Catalonia might have mattered as much as the food on her plate.

Maria Branyas Morera's extraordinary lifespan exemplifies the intricate relationship between genetics, diet, and social connections. The article underscores how her genetic predisposition sets the stage for longevity, but it is her lifestyle choices that truly shape her health outcomes. The insights presented suggest that a holistic approach is crucial—where balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and meaningful social interactions coalesce to create a foundation for a healthier, longer life.

This narrative reinforces a powerful message: it is never too late to implement positive changes. Even minor and consistent updates to one's diet and lifestyle can lead to significant improvements, ultimately enhancing well-being and extending life expectancy.

Maria’s secret might not be a magic pill, it might be the perfect mix of genetics and a life lived consistently.

Wait until you see what happened after a roommate hid secret income and asked for fair rent.

Damjan