117-Year-Old’s Secrets to Longevity Revealed: Olive Oil, Yogurts, and a Healthy Lifestyle
Barcelona, Spain – A groundbreaking study published in Cell Reports Medicine has shed light on the remarkable longevity of Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to be 117 years and 168 days old before passing away peacefully in August 2024. Researchers, who had the unique opportunity to study the “supercentenary,” beleive a combination of favorable genetics and a consistently healthy lifestyle contributed to her exceptional lifespan.
Born in San Francisco in 1907, Branyas Morera largely avoided serious illness throughout her life. The study, led by Dr. Manel Esteller of the Josep Carreras Leukemia Institute in Barcelona, revealed key elements of her daily routine. Notably, she never smoked, rarely consumed alcohol, and maintained a physically active life, including an hour of walking each day.
her diet, rooted in the Mediterranean tradition, was rich in olive oil and included a consistent intake of three yogurts daily. researchers suggest this high consumption of the dairy product, alongside the overall diet, may have played a crucial role in preserving a healthy gut microbiome and protecting against inflammatory diseases.
“It was a very generous person, who was trying to help, so it was great to work with her,” dr. Esteller told CNN.
Beyond lifestyle, Branyas Morera possessed a beneficial genetic profile, including variations that appeared to safeguard her from cardiovascular diseases.
While acknowledging the study focuses on a single individual, researchers emphasize that poor health in old age isn’t inevitable. “Age poor health is not inevitable. It is due to biological mechanisms… on wich we can act,” stated Claire Steves, a professor at King’s College London, who was not involved in the study but praised its detailed analysis. Steves advocates for focusing not on simply how long to live, but how well.
The findings offer valuable insights into the complex factors influencing human longevity, though researchers caution against drawing broad conclusions based on a single case. The study underscores the potential impact of lifestyle choices – particularly diet and exercise – in promoting healthy aging.
