The Secret to Longevity: How the World’s Oldest Woman Lived to 117
Reaching the age of 100 is already an exceptional achievement, but living until 117 places someone in a unique category. Maria Branyas Morera, recognized as the world’s oldest living person until her passing at 117 years and 168 days, attributed her extraordinary life span to a few essential lifestyle choices. Among these, one daily habit stood out: eating yogurt.
Maria’s Remarkable Life
Maria’s long life began in the United States, but she spent most of her years in Spain. Throughout her life, she witnessed key moments in history, including both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and two pandemics—the Spanish Flu and COVID-19. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she lived to see multiple generations, even outliving her son, who passed at 86.
What Was the Secret?
While many wonder what it takes to live such a long life, Maria was refreshingly humble. She explained her views on longevity back in 2022, sharing on social media, “I think longevity is also about being lucky. Luck and good genetics.”
But Maria didn’t just rely on luck. She emphasized the importance of a healthy diet, emotional stability, and maintaining strong relationships with loved ones. Staying connected to nature and avoiding toxic people were also critical parts of her lifestyle. Her reflections on life offer practical advice, showing that true wellness involves more than just physical health.
Yogurt: The Key to Long Life?
One of the central components of Maria’s diet was yogurt. While people often search for superfoods or complex diet plans, Maria’s advice was simple. She saw yogurt as her “heavenly manna” and claimed that it had been a daily staple for over two decades. Maria described yogurt as a natural, delicious, and creamy food that embodied “dignity, self-esteem, and confidence.”
Her love of yogurt wasn’t just based on personal preference. She referenced research, such as a Bulgarian study, which suggested that regular yogurt consumption might extend life. Maria also connected it to ancient traditions, such as the story of Abraham, whose longevity was attributed to his regular intake of yogurt.
Yogurt and Longevity Around the World
Maria’s belief in yogurt as a longevity aid aligns with trends observed in the world’s so-called Blue Zones. These are regions where people tend to live exceptionally long lives, such as Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, and Nicoya in Costa Rica. In these areas, diet plays a vital role in health and longevity, with fermented foods and probiotics being common.
Dan Buettner, an expert on Blue Zones, highlights several habits shared by people in these regions. These include plant-based diets, natural movement, social connections, and stress reduction. While yogurt might not be consumed by everyone in Blue Zones, fermented foods rich in probiotics are staples that contribute to overall well-being.
Centenarian Advice: How Applicable Is It?
While centenarians like Maria offer valuable insights, not all experts believe that following their habits will necessarily lead to a longer life. Biogerontologist Richard Faragher cautions against over-reliance on such advice, as genetic factors play a significant role in longevity. He highlights the concept of survivorship bias, which suggests that living to 100+ may sometimes be more about genetics than lifestyle choices alone.
Still, the practices that Maria adhered to—such as maintaining a nutritious diet, fostering emotional stability, and building strong connections with loved ones—are backed by scientific research and are good strategies for anyone looking to live a healthier life.
The Science of Yogurt and Probiotics
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which have been shown to promote gut health. A balanced gut microbiome supports digestion, strengthens the immune system, and even improves mood. Some studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of fermented foods like yogurt can reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Additionally, probiotics are thought to support cardiovascular health and may contribute to a longer life by promoting a balanced immune response.
While yogurt might not be a magic bullet for living past 100, incorporating it as part of a balanced diet can certainly contribute to better health overall.
Lessons from Maria’s Life
Maria Branyas Morera’s life is a powerful testament to the impact of simple lifestyle habits. Her daily yogurt consumption serves as a reminder of the benefits of basic, nutrient-rich foods. More importantly, she believed in cultivating a positive mindset, staying connected to loved ones, and enjoying the natural world.
Even though living to 117 is rare, Maria’s habits—embracing good nutrition, staying emotionally balanced, and fostering meaningful relationships—offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to enhance their quality of life.
So, while we may not all reach 117, taking a page out of Maria’s book—starting with a bowl of yogurt—might just be a step in the right direction.
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