Many people dream of living forever — and science is steadily bringing that dream closer. Now, researchers believe the DNA of one extraordinary woman could hold some answers.
Maria Branyas Morera, born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907, lived to be 117 years old. Her life spanned two world wars, 21 U.S. presidents, and more than a century of change. When she was eight, her family moved to Catalonia, Spain, where she spent the rest of her life. Tragically, her father died of tuberculosis during their journey, but Maria went on to build a long, remarkable life in her new homeland.
Before her death in 2024, Maria made a unique request — she asked doctors to study her DNA to understand what allowed her to live so long and so well. Her wish led scientists from the University of Barcelona and the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute to analyze her cells and genetics.
Dr. Manel Esteller, who led the study, told The Times: “The common rule is that as we age, we become sicker, but she was an exception. For the first time, we’ve been able to separate being old from being sick.” He added that while Maria’s longevity was partly genetic, future medicines could one day reproduce similar biological effects.
The findings were astonishing. Maria’s biological age appeared to be 10 to 15 years younger than her actual age. She had exceptionally low levels of harmful cholesterol and triglycerides, but very high levels of the “good” kind. Her habits also played a major role — she exercised regularly, avoided smoking and alcohol, and maintained close social ties. She loved yogurt, especially the Spanish brand La Fageda, which contains probiotic bacteria known for reducing inflammation. Her mornings often began with a smoothie made from eight different cereals.
Researchers also noted unique patterns in her telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes that usually shorten with age. Though short telomeres are generally linked to health decline, in Maria’s case they may have helped prevent cancer by limiting abnormal cell growth.
The study’s authors concluded that extreme old age doesn’t necessarily mean poor health. “The picture that emerges shows that being very old and being unhealthy are not intrinsically connected,” they wrote. Dr. Esteller summed it up by saying, “The clues for extreme longevity are a mix between what we inherit and how we live — about half and half.”
Maria became the world’s oldest person in 2023, following the death of French nun Sister André. Until her own passing at age 117 years and 168 days, she remained a symbol of vitality and grace. In 2020, she even recovered from COVID-19, becoming the oldest known survivor at the time.
In her later years, Maria often spoke out about how society treats the elderly. “This pandemic has revealed that older people are the forgotten ones,” she told The Observer. “They sacrificed so much for today’s quality of life. They didn’t deserve to leave the world in this way.”
Known affectionately as “Super Àvia Catalana” — the Super Grandmother of Catalonia — Maria had three children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. On Twitter, she described herself as “very old but not an idiot,” sharing her own advice for a long life: “Order, tranquillity, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people.”
Her story remains a powerful reminder that aging doesn’t have to mean decline — and that through a blend of good genes, balanced living, and optimism, we may all find ways to stretch the boundaries of time.
