Study on World's Oldest Woman Confirms How to Live Past 100.

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My Longevity Experiment
April 06, 2025

Longevity Secrets from Supercentenarians: What We Can Learn from Maria Branyas

When Catalonian native Maria Branyas passed away in August 2024 at the remarkable age of 117 years and 168 days, she held the official title of the world's oldest living person. Her extraordinary lifespan drew global attention, prompting a comprehensive investigation by researchers from the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute in Spain to uncover the biological, genetic, and lifestyle factors that contributed to her exceptional longevity.

A Rare Look Inside the Supercentenarian Blueprint

Maria Branyas was one of a rare class of individuals known as supercentenarians – those who reach 110 years or more. Statistically, only a small fraction of centenarians continue on to live an additional decade. The team behind the study employed a broad spectrum of analytical tools, from genomic sequencing and proteomic profiling to microbiome analysis and metabolic assessments. Their goal: to decode the elements of her biology that allowed her to age so healthfully and gracefully.

Lifestyle Anchored in Connection and Nutrition

Through interviews and personal history, researchers discovered that Maria led a mentally, socially, and physically active life. She enjoyed meaningful time with family and friends, a behavior well-documented in scientific literature as a protective factor against cognitive decline and dementia. Maria also adhered to a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes, and fish, a dietary pattern repeatedly associated with reduced mortality and improved overall health.

Of special note was Maria’s fondness for yogurt, a food known to support gut health. Her microbiome profile reflected that of a much younger person, with a balanced and diverse microbial population. The research team emphasized the critical role of gut bacteria, stating:
"Microorganisms are critical in determining not only the metabolite composition of our body, but also inflammation, intestinal permeability, cognition, and bone and muscle health."

Genetic Fortitude and Biological Youth

Genomic analysis revealed that Maria possessed several advantageous gene variants. These included markers linked to enhanced immune response, lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and reduced cancer susceptibility. One of the most revealing findings came from the study of her DNA methylation patterns - biochemical modifications that regulate gene expression and can serve as a marker of biological age.

"Remarkably, all the distinct algorithms of age based on DNA methylation yielded the same result," the researchers wrote.
"Our supercentenarian exhibited a much younger biological age than her real chronological age and this occurred in the three different tissues analyzed."

This alignment across multiple tissue types suggests that Maria’s body experienced significantly less biological wear and tear than expected for her chronological age.

A Metabolic Edge and Inflammatory Control

The researchers also discovered that Maria maintained a highly efficient metabolism. Her lipid profile revealed lower levels of LDL ('bad' cholesterol), higher levels of HDL ('good' cholesterol), and minimal markers of systemic inflammation – a major contributor to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegeneration. These findings suggest that her internal physiological balance was well-maintained even into extreme old age.

A Holistic Formula for Longevity

While Maria herself attributed her long life to an "orderly life and pleasant surroundings," the evidence indicates that her remarkable age was supported by a complex interplay of biological resilience, healthy lifestyle choices, and favorable environmental conditions. As the researchers concluded,
"The picture that emerges from our study shows that extremely advanced age and poor health are not intrinsically linked and that both processes can be distinguished and dissected at the molecular level."

Your Call to Action for Longevity Secrets from Supercentenarians

Maria Branyas’ life offers a profound and inspiring model for healthy aging. While not everyone may reach 117, many of the elements identified in her case are achievable for the average person. Embrace a Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. Prioritize regular physical, mental, and social activity to strengthen cognitive and emotional well-being. Consider including fermented foods like yogurt to support gut health. Cultivate a low-stress, orderly environment and nurture meaningful connections with others. These practices, supported by the latest in longevity research, can help you age not just longer, but better.

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