117-Year-Old Maria Branyas Morera: Could She Hold the Secret to Defeating Aging?
Maria has surpassed the age of her sole son, who tragically perished in a tractor accident at 86 years old.
Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest living person, celebrates her 117th birthday.
Originally born on March 4th, 1907, in San Francisco, this grandmother has spent the majority of her life in Catalonia, Spain, since the age of eight. For the last 23 years, she has called the same nursing home her home.
Maria claimed the remarkable title of the world’s oldest living person following the passing of French nun Lucile Randon, who reached the age of 118 in January of the previous year.
Notably, Maria maintains an active presence on X, previously known as Twitter, and consistently shares updates with assistance.
In a recent post, she expressed, “Good morning, world. Today, I celebrate my 117th birthday. It’s been quite a journey.”
The nursing home staff reports Maria’s exceptional health, noting only minor challenges with hearing and mobility, but no significant physical or mental issues.
Maria’s remarkable health at her advanced age has prompted scientists to scrutinize her physiology. According to Scientist Manel Esteller, speaking to Spanish outlet ABC, “Her mental faculties remain sharp.” He noted her astonishing recollection of events dating back to when she was only four years old and highlighted her absence of common cardiovascular ailments typically found in the elderly. Esteller emphasized the genetic aspect, pointing out several family members who have surpassed the age of 90.
Maria has consented to participate in scientific examinations conducted by researchers eager to uncover the mysteries of longevity.
Samples of Maria’s saliva, blood, and urine have been gathered for comparison with those of her 80-year-old daughter.
Researchers aspire that the analysis of Maria’s genetic makeup will contribute to the development of medications targeting age-related ailments.
Maria’s life spans through significant historical events including the 1918 pandemic, both World Wars, and Spain’s civil war.
In 1931, she tied the knot with Joan Moret, a Catalan doctor, and together they raised three children.
Although her husband passed away in 1976, Maria has surpassed the age of their only son, August, who tragically lost his life in a tractor accident at 86.
Presently, Maria enjoys the company of two daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Maria’s musical talent flourished from childhood until the age of 108, when she began to lose dexterity in her fingers.
Notably, Maria bravely fought and survived Covid-19, contracting the virus just weeks after celebrating her 113th birthday.
Following a brief hospitalization, she swiftly recovered and resumed her routine at the nursing home.
In 2020, Maria was recognized as the world’s oldest Covid survivor before being surpassed by Lucile Randon, who was three years her senior.
Maria currently holds the position as the 12th oldest verified person in recorded history. Should she celebrate her 118th birthday next year, she will ascend to the fifth position.
Notably, the oldest documented person in history is Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who lived an astonishing 122 years and 164 days.
