We all aspire to live long lives, right? Well, there may be certain lifestyle habits that could help you reach this goal, as revealed by scientists who studied the DNA and diet of a 117-year-old woman.
Maria Branyas Morera was 117 when she passed away in August 2024 in Spain, but during her lifetime, she earned the title of the oldest person in the world in the Guinness World Records in January 2023.
Now, scientists claim they’ve discovered the key to longevity after analyzing Maria’s DNA. She maintained some very healthy habits that seemingly contributed to her impressive lifespan.
117 year old maria previously held the world title as the oldest person alive (Sky News)
Maria’s microbiome and DNA were studied by researchers at Barcelona University, revealing that the 117-year-old possessed the “microbiome of a child” and a “privileged genome.”
Manel Esteller, a genetics professor at Barcelona University, highlighted that Maria’s distinctive genes helped reduce her biological age by approximately 17 years. Maria’s daughter, Rosa Moret, also shared insights into her late mother’s health, recalling that her mom was rarely ill, which she believed played a role in her longevity.
Maria reportedly only began to experience issues with her eyesight, memory, and hearing before she passed away.
Additionally, researchers discovered that Maria had positive cholesterol levels, “exceptional” blood sugar control, and a “perfectly” balanced immune system. She adhered to a Mediterranean diet that included three yoghurts daily, and she never consumed alcohol or smoked. Maria also enjoyed regular walks and maintained close relationships with family and loved ones. These lifestyle choices are believed to have contributed significantly to her remarkable lifespan, according to the researchers.
Researchers found life-extending hacks from Maria’s DNA and diet(Sky News)
Following their findings, the researchers hope that the insights gained from Maria’s lifestyle choices will contribute to the development of anti-aging medicines and provide valuable knowledge about the foods that can help extend one’s lifespan.
The researchers concluded that Branyas’ life demonstrates that aging doesn’t have to be equated with illness. They stated that the results of the genetic study “challenge the perception that aging and sickness are inextricably linked,” as reported by Spain’s EFE news service.
Maria was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907, when her parents moved from Spain and Mexico to the US. However, she and her family returned to Spain in 1915 during World War One and settled in Catalonia.
Following her passing, the title of the world’s oldest living person is now held by Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun born on June 8, 1908, who is currently 116 years old.
