Maxine Harrison
We all hope to live a long life, right? Well, there may be some lifestyle habits that could help you achieve this goal, as discovered by scientists studying a 117-year-old woman's DNA and diet.
Maria Branyas Morera was 117 years old when she passed away in August 2024 in Spain, but while alive she won the world title of 'the oldest person in the world' in the Guinness World Records in January 2023.
Now, scientists have said they found the key to longevity after studying the DNA of Maria, who had some very healthy habits that apparently helped increase her lifespan.
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Maria’s microbiome and DNA were investigated by researchers at Barcelona University, whose findings show that the 117-year-old had the 'microbiome of a child' and a 'privileged genome'.
A genetics professor at Barcelona University, Manel Esteller, noted Maria’s unique genes cut her biological age by around 17 years. Maria’s daughter, Rosa Moret also noted her late mother’s health status when she was alive as she has said that her mum was never ill, and that’s what made her live longer.
Maria had reportedly only begun to lose her eyesight, memory and hearing when she died.
On top of this, it was discovered that Maria also had positive cholesterol levels, 'exceptional' blood sugar regulation and a 'perfectly' balanced immune system. She followed a Mediterranean diet that included three yoghurts a day, and she never drank alcohol or smoked. She also enjoyed walks and regularly surrounded herself with family and other loved ones. These are all lifestyle factors that have helped contribute to her long lifestyle, according to researchers.
In the wake of their findings, the researchers hope the discoveries from Maria’s lifestyle choices will help contribute to anti-ageing medicines and give insight into what type of foods help with extending your lifespan.
The researchers concluded that Branyas highlights how ageing does not have to be synonymous with sickness. They said the results of the genetic study 'challenge the perception that [the two] are inexorably linked', according to Spain’s EFE news service.
Maria was born in San Francisco on 4 March 1907, as her parents moved from Spain and Mexico to the US. But she and her family returned to Spain in 1915 amid World War One and settled in Catalonia.
Following her death, the oldest person in the world title is currently held by Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun born on June 8, 1908, who is 116 years old.