Uncovered Insight Potentially Extending a Woman's Life to 117 Years

Remarkable Unearthing Potentially Extending One Woman's Life Span to an Impressive 117 Years

Maria Branyas Morera: The World's Oldest Living Woman

Maria Branyas Morera, a nurse born in the United States in 1907, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living woman, following the death of Lucile Randon of France.

Born in 1907, Branyas Morera moved to Catalonia, Spain, and lived through multiple wars and pandemics, including the 1918 Spanish flu and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which only caused her a mild bout of the viral disease.

The study on Branyas Morera's longevity was led by scientists at the University of Barcelona. University of Barcelona geneticist Manel Esteller and his team convinced Branyas Morera to undergo a series of medical tests. The results of the study, which were reported by Spanish media outlet Ara earlier this month, revealed several factors that likely accounted for her long life.

Branyas Morera's lifestyle played a significant role in her longevity. She avoided vices like alcohol and smoking and maintained a regular exercise routine by walking. She also followed a Mediterranean diet.

The researchers found that Branyas Morera's gut microbiome had a composition similar to that of infants, which could be a contributing factor to her long life. Additionally, her cellular age may have been approximately 17 years younger than her actual age.

Branyas Morera's social life was rich, with three children, two dozen grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She moved to a retirement home in Northern Catalonia in 2000. Despite her advanced age, she experienced very few major medical issues and had a sharp memory until the end of her life.

Branyas Morera passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 117. The current group of researchers in Spain investigating the possible causes of extraordinary longevity in people like Branyas Morera is not explicitly named in the available search results, nor is the timing of their publication stated. However, the researchers believe their study on Branyas Morera and other long-lived individuals could lead to discoveries that could benefit everyone.

Throughout her life, Branyas Morera worked as a nurse and often worked alongside her physician husband, Joan Moret, who died in 1976. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the importance of a healthy lifestyle and strong social connections in promoting longevity.