Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest living person, passed away in Spain in August 2024 at the age of 117. A groundbreaking posthumous study conducted by the University of Barcelona has now revealed the biological secrets behind her extraordinary lifespan, discovering that her gut microbiome was as youthful and healthy as that of a newborn infant.
A Life Spanning Two Centuries
Born in 1907, Morera experienced the 1918 influenza pandemic, two world wars, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite her extreme age, she remained cognitively sharp until her final days. To understand her resilience, a team led by genetics professor Manel Esteller performed what is considered the most comprehensive genetic and microbial analysis ever conducted on a supercentenarian.
The Shocking Science Behind Her Longevity
The study discovered that her biological age was roughly 17 years younger than her actual years. Even more striking was the condition of her gut microbiome. It was in a powerful anti-inflammatory state, dominated by Bifidobacteria—a type of probiotic bacteria that closely resembles the gut flora of a healthy infant.
Professor Esteller described her mental clarity in detail. Her mind was completely clear. She could recall events from when she was four years old and had no cardiovascular issues, which is incredibly rare for someone of her age. The only limitations she faced were physical, related to hearing and mobility.
The Daily Habit That Made the Difference
While genetics provided a strong foundation, Morera’s daily lifestyle choices were crucial to nurturing her youthful internal biology. She strictly adhered to a Mediterranean diet, but her standout habit was eating three cups of natural yogurt every single day. This simple fermented food is packed with probiotics, including the exact strains of Bifidobacteria that dominated her gut microbiome.
By feeding her digestive system these beneficial bacteria daily, she maintained a strong anti-inflammatory defense against the aging process. Her diet also relied heavily on fresh fruits and vegetables, which provided essential fiber and antioxidants.
More Than Just Diet
Morera’s longevity blueprint extended beyond food. She avoided alcohol and tobacco completely, eliminating major accelerators of cellular aging. She also remained physically active through daily walks in nature and placed a high value on her social circle, specifically avoiding toxic relationships to keep stress levels low.
What This Means for the Rest of Us
This case study offers concrete evidence for the growing scientific consensus that gut health is the cornerstone of overall longevity. While not everyone will inherit the same genetic advantages, Morera’s life proves that lifestyle choices have immense power. For readers looking to boost their healthspan, the takeaways are clear: adopt a plant-forward Mediterranean diet, incorporate fermented foods like yogurt for probiotics, stay active, and cultivate meaningful human connections. Her remarkable life suggests that how we eat and live can profoundly shape how we age.