The Last Survivor of 1907: Maria Branyas Morera
On August 19, 2024, the world lost its oldest verified living person, Maria Branyas Morera, at the age of 117. Her death officially marked the 'cohort extinction' of all verified individuals born in the year 1907. Maria's remarkable life spanned more than a century, during which she lived in both the United States and Spain, survived major historical events like the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, and even recovered from COVID-19 at the age of 113. Her passing highlights the extraordinary rarity of living to such an advanced age, a category known as supercentenarians.
What are Supercentenarians?
Supercentenarians are individuals who have reached the milestone of 110 years of age or older. The number of people who achieve this is incredibly small, estimated to be only about one in 1,000 centenarians. The study of these rare individuals provides invaluable insights into the factors influencing extreme longevity.
Key characteristics and findings from research on supercentenarians include:
- Genetic Advantage: Research, including a genomic study conducted on Maria Branyas Morera, suggests that a combination of fortunate genetics and a healthy lifestyle contributes to exceptional longevity. Some studies point to specific genetic markers associated with enhanced cellular repair and reduced inflammation.
- Gender Disparity: A significant majority of supercentenarians are women. For instance, approximately 90% of supercentenarians identified in the New England Centenarian Study were female. The reasons for this disparity are not fully understood but are a key area of ongoing research.
- Compression of Morbidity: Many supercentenarians experience a phenomenon known as the 'compression of morbidity.' This means they typically live relatively healthy lives until a short period before their death, avoiding major age-related diseases like cardiovascular disease and dementia until very late in life.
- Diverse Lifestyles: While there are some common threads like moderate exercise and a healthy diet, the lifestyle habits of supercentenarians are surprisingly varied. Some have maintained independent lifestyles well past 100, while others have reported habits that are not typically associated with good health, though these are often the exceptions.
Why Do Birth Cohorts Become Extinct?
An entire birth cohort, such as those born in 1907, becomes extinct when the last verified member passes away. This is a natural demographic process that reflects the outer limits of human lifespan. While the number of centenarians (100+ years old) is increasing globally, the number of supercentenarians (110+ years old) remains extremely low. The passing of Maria Branyas Morera on August 19, 2024, formally marked this demographic event for the 1907 cohort.
Comparison of Notable Supercentenarians
| Attribute | Maria Branyas Morera (1907-2024) | Jeanne Calment (1875-1997) | Ethel Caterham (b. 1909) | Jiroemon Kimura (1897-2013) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1907 | 1875 | 1909 | 1897 |
| Country | USA/Spain | France | UK | Japan |
| Lifespan | 117 years, 168 days | 122 years, 164 days | 116+ years (living) | 116 years, 54 days |
| Record | World's oldest verified person (2023-2024) | Oldest verified person ever | World's oldest living person (as of Sept 2025) | Oldest verified man ever |
| Notable Fact | Survived two pandemics, including COVID-19 | Smoked and drank wine | Last known person born in the 1900s decade | Oldest person alive at the time of his death |
| Longevity Secret | Good genetics and healthy lifestyle | Peaceful mindset | Avoiding arguments | Active lifestyle and small portions |
The Scientific Study of Longevity
Researchers are deeply invested in understanding the unique biology of supercentenarians to unlock the secrets of extreme longevity. A recent study on Maria Branyas Morera's genome, published in Cell Reports Medicine, confirmed that a combination of resilient genes and healthy lifestyle played a pivotal role in her long life. Her biological samples are a treasure trove for scientists looking to understand how the body avoids chronic diseases for so long. The findings from this research could one day lead to advancements in medicine that help improve healthspan for the broader population, not just lifespan. The scientific community continues to debate the exact balance between genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences in achieving such rare longevity, but the study of figures like Morera provides concrete data points.
Life After 1907: The Next Generation of Supercentenarians
With the passing of the last individual born in 1907, the next verified oldest persons in the world come from slightly later birth years. As of September 2025, the oldest living person is Ethel Caterham of the UK, born in 1909, who is also the last known person born in the 1900s decade. The study of these next generations of supercentenarians will continue to inform our understanding of human aging and the factors that allow a tiny fraction of the population to live such exceptionally long lives.
The Importance of Verification
The field of gerontology relies on meticulous age verification to confirm records and maintain the accuracy of statistics on the oldest living people. Organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records play a crucial role in this process. Unverified claims of extreme age are common throughout history, but only those with robust documentation can be officially included in lists and studied scientifically. This commitment to validation ensures that demographic research into longevity is based on reliable data, providing a clearer picture of what is truly possible for human lifespans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, no individuals born in 1907 are still alive. The last known and verified person from this birth year, Maria Branyas Morera, passed away in August 2024 at the age of 117. Her death officially marked the end of the 1907 birth cohort for validated supercentenarians. Her life, and the scientific analysis of her longevity, contribute significantly to our understanding of extreme aging. While the number of centenarians is growing, the path to becoming a supercentenarian remains a rare and exceptional phenomenon governed by a mix of genetics and healthy lifestyle choices. The continuing study of today's oldest individuals provides hope for a better understanding of healthy aging for all.
