Scientists Decode the Secret Behind a 117-Year-Old Woman’s Life — and Discover the Surprising Food Linked to Her Longevity
For generations, people have searched for the secret to a long and healthy life. The remarkable story of Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to 117, has given scientists a rare opportunity to explore how genetics and lifestyle may combine to promote healthy aging.
Born in 1907 in San Francisco, she later settled in Catalonia, Spain, where she built a close-knit, family-centered life. Over more than a century, she witnessed wars, political shifts, and sweeping social change.
Before her death in 2024, she chose to donate her DNA for research. Scientists from the University of Barcelona and the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute examined her genetic profile to better understand her extraordinary resilience.
According to lead researcher Manel Esteller, her biology seemed to “separate being old from being sick.” Despite her advanced age, many of her biological markers resembled those of someone significantly younger.
Her lifestyle habits were equally notable. She did not smoke or drink alcohol, remained socially active, and maintained strong family bonds — all factors commonly associated with longevity.
One everyday habit attracted particular attention: her regular consumption of yogurt, including products from La Fageda. Rich in probiotics, yogurt may help support gut health and reduce inflammation. She also started her mornings with a cereal-based smoothie.
Researchers observed that her telomeres — the protective ends of chromosomes — were unusually well preserved for her age, potentially lowering her risk of certain diseases.
Ultimately, scientists concluded that her long life likely reflected both inherited advantages and steady, healthy routines. Her story suggests that while genetics play a meaningful role, daily habits may be just as powerful in extending not only lifespan, but healthspan — the years lived in good health.
