Maria Branyas Morera: The American-born Spaniard
Maria Branyas Morera, born on March 4, 1907, and passing away on August 19, 2024, lived to be 117 years and 168 days old. At the time of her death, she was the world's oldest living person. Born in San Francisco, she moved to Spain as a child and experienced significant historical events, including both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and the Spanish Flu. Notably, she also recovered from COVID-19 at 113.
Life and Lifestyle Factors
Living in a nursing home for the latter part of her life, Morera attributed her longevity to genetics, luck, and specific lifestyle choices. She often mentioned 'order, tranquility, a good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people'. Research, including a study at the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, suggests that unique genetic variations likely contributed to her long life. This highlights the interplay between genetic predisposition and personal choices in achieving extreme longevity.
Jeanne Calment: The World's Record Holder
Discussing extreme longevity necessitates mentioning Jeanne Calment, the French supercentenarian who holds the record for the longest verified human lifespan, living to 122 years and 164 days. Her life, from 1875 to 1997, serves as a remarkable point of comparison for individuals like Morera, showcasing the extraordinary rarity of living beyond 117.
Other Remarkable 117-year-olds
Beyond Maria Branyas Morera, several other individuals have been verified to reach the age of 117:
- Nabi Tajima (Japan): Lived to 117 years and 260 days (1900-2018).
- Marie-Louise Meilleur (Canada): Lived to 117 years and 230 days (1880-1998).
- Violet Brown (Jamaica): Lived to 117 years and 189 days (1900-2017).
- Emma Morano (Italy): Lived to 117 years and 137 days (1899-2017).
- Chiyo Miyako (Japan): Lived to 117 years and 81 days (1901-2018).
- Misao Okawa (Japan): Lived to 117 years and 27 days (1898-2015).
Scientific Insights into Supercentenarian Longevity
Studying supercentenarians offers valuable insights into aging. While lifestyle is often cited, scientific evidence points to a combination of factors.
- Genetics: Genetic factors play a significant role, with certain variants linked to increased lifespan, potentially by improving cellular repair and immune function. Research on individuals like Morera supports this, showing unique genetic variations associated with their longevity.
- Lifestyle: Healthy lifestyle choices, including physical activity, balanced diet, and strong social connections, are consistently reported by supercentenarians.
- Resilience and Attitude: A positive outlook and resilience are often observed traits in this group, aligning with Morera's emphasis on emotional stability and positivity.
Comparison of Notable Supercentenarians
Here is a brief comparison of some remarkable individuals who reached or surpassed the age of 117:
| Name | Age at Death | Country | Notable Habits/Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeanne Calment | 122 years, 164 days | France | Record holder, active lifestyle, certain indulgences |
| Maria Branyas Morera | 117 years, 168 days | Spain | Genetics, tranquility, strong social ties |
| Misao Okawa | 117 years, 27 days | Japan | Focus on sleep and diet |
| Kane Tanaka | 119 years, 107 days | Japan | Positive attitude, social engagement |
| Marie-Louise Meilleur | 117 years, 230 days | Canada | Became oldest living person after Calment |
A Complex Recipe for Longevity
Reaching 117 is a rare feat with no single formula. It appears to be a blend of genetic advantages, resilience, strong social support, and healthy habits. While luck is a factor, the lives of these individuals provide valuable lessons for healthy aging. Ongoing scientific research aims to further understand the mechanisms behind such extreme longevity.
Conclusion
The lives of those who lived to be 117 offer profound insights into the potential of human lifespan. Figures like Maria Branyas Morera and others demonstrate that a combination of genetic factors, a positive mindset, and strong social connections are crucial for a long and healthy life. Their stories encourage us to prioritize healthy aging, manage stress effectively, and nurture our relationships. While reaching 117 may not be achievable for everyone, these examples highlight the power of these factors in extending both the length and quality of life. For more information on longevity research and verified supercentenarians, the Gerontology Research Group is an authoritative source (https://grg-supercentenarians.org).
