Who was Maria Branyas Morera?
Maria Branyas Morera (1907–2024) was an American-born Spaniard recognized as the world's oldest living person before her death. Born in San Francisco, California, her family moved back to Spain when she was a child. Her long life spanned significant historical events, including both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and both the 1918 and COVID-19 pandemics; she even recovered from COVID-19 at the age of 113 in 2020. Maria spent the last 22 years of her life in a nursing home in Olot, Spain, where she was known for her wit and maintaining a social media presence under the name 'Super Catalan Grandma'. Her death in August 2024 was announced by her family and the Gerontology Research Group.
The World of Supercentenarians
Individuals who live to 110 years or older are classified as supercentenarians. While rare, several people have reached the age of 117, with Maria Branyas Morera being the most recent example. This group includes individuals from various parts of the world who lived remarkable lives.
Other Supercentenarians Who Lived to 117
- Nabi Tajima (Japan): Born August 4, 1900; died April 21, 2018 (117 years, 260 days). She was briefly the world's oldest living person.
- Marie-Louise Meilleur (Canada): Born August 29, 1880; died April 16, 1998 (117 years, 230 days).
- Violet Brown (Jamaica): Born March 10, 1900; died September 15, 2017 (117 years, 189 days). Known for her strong faith.
- Emma Morano (Italy): Born November 29, 1899; died April 15, 2017 (117 years, 137 days). The oldest Italian and last verified living person born in the 1800s.
- Chiyo Miyako (Japan): Born May 2, 1901; died July 22, 2018 (117 years, 81 days).
Factors in Extreme Longevity
Research suggests a combination of genetics and lifestyle contributes to extreme longevity.
- Genetic Advantage: A family history of longevity is common, pointing to a genetic influence.
- Active Lifestyle: Many supercentenarians maintain some level of physical activity.
- Dietary Habits: Diets often emphasize moderation and whole, fresh foods, sometimes resembling a Mediterranean style.
- Mental and Social Well-being: Staying mentally engaged and having strong social connections are frequently noted.
- Stress Resilience: The ability to cope with stress may be a factor.
The Future of Extreme Longevity Research
Studying supercentenarians is increasingly important as the global older adult population grows. Researchers aim to understand the biology of aging and promote 'healthspan' by studying these individuals.
Comparison of Supercentenarians Who Lived to 117
Here is a comparison of several verified supercentenarians who lived to 117:
| Feature | Maria Branyas Morera | Nabi Tajima | Violet Brown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Date | March 4, 1907 | August 4, 1900 | March 10, 1900 |
| Death Date | August 19, 2024 | April 21, 2018 | September 15, 2017 |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, USA | Arao, Japan | Trelawny, Jamaica |
| Residence | Olot, Spain (Nursing Home) | Kikai, Japan (Nursing Home) | Trelawny, Jamaica |
| Notable Fact | Survived COVID-19 at 113; active on social media | Last person verified born in the 19th century to have lived past the turn of the 21st | Known as 'Aunt V' and active in her church community |
Conclusion
Maria Branyas Morera is a recent addition to the small group of supercentenarians who died at 117. Their lives, while unique, offer common threads of potential factors contributing to extreme longevity, including genetics, healthy habits, and mental and social engagement. Further research into these extraordinary individuals continues to provide insights into healthy aging.
Learn more about record-breaking lifespans at the Guinness World Records website.
