The Secret to Living Past 117: Maria Branyas Morera’s Story

Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to the remarkable age of 117 years and 168 days, has become a scientific marvel. Born in 1907 in San Francisco and later settling in Spain, her longevity wasn’t due to a single “super gene,” but a combination of biology, lifestyle, and one simple daily habit: eating yogurt three times a day.

A Centenarian’s Simple Habit

For over 20 years, Maria enjoyed three servings of yogurt daily—morning, afternoon, and night. This consistent intake of probiotic-rich yogurt helped cultivate a gut microbiome rich in Bifidobacterium and other beneficial bacteria, which reduce inflammation and promote metabolism. Researchers suggest this daily habit played a key role in keeping her gut youthful and resilient, supporting overall health even in her late 110s.

Gut Health Before Genes

Typically, aging reduces gut bacterial diversity, leading to inflammation and age-related diseases. Maria’s gut, however, remained robust, supporting her metabolism, immune system, and brain health. Her gut microbiome may have been instrumental in helping her avoid illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.

Inner Strength: Genes and Biology

While lifestyle mattered, her body also carried rare protective genetic variants linked to immune function, brain health, and cardiovascular resilience. Interestingly, she lacked genes associated with shorter lifespans. Despite short telomeres, her body showed no major illnesses, proving that aging and disease aren’t always inseparable.

Lifestyle Choices Matter

Maria lived a grounded, healthy life:

• Never smoked or drank

• Followed a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil and whole foods

• Took daily walks and remained physically active

• Maintained mental activity and social engagement

Her routine promoted low inflammation, a strong immune system, and emotional stability—factors researchers believe were critical to her longevity.

Health Span Over Lifespan

Maria’s story emphasizes quality of life over quantity. Her longevity resulted from multiple systems working in harmony—gut, immune system, metabolism, and genes. As Prof. Claire Steves from King’s College London noted, her life was not a fluke but a reflection of consistency, balance, and care for her body and mind.

The Takeaway

The “secret” to her extraordinary life wasn’t a single miracle, but small, consistent habits like daily yogurt consumption, a healthy diet, gentle exercise, mental engagement, and emotional well-being. Her story highlights the central role of gut health and shows that longevity thrives in balance.

In short, Maria Branyas Morera’s life reminds us that graceful aging is built on simple, loving routines sustained over decades, with the gut often leading the way.