Highlights: 

  • María Branyas Morera, who lived to 117, credited her strong family ties, positivity, and avoiding toxic people as key factors in her remarkable longevity.
  • María also attributed her exceptionally long life to practicing moderation in her diet and making yogurt a daily staple.

When María Branyas Morera passed away at the age of 117, she held the title of the world’s oldest living person. But beyond her extraordinary lifespan, María left behind invaluable insights into how she believed she achieved such longevity. While she attributed her long life largely to genes and luck, she also shared several lifestyle habits that may have contributed to her impressive years. María’s life in the Spanish city of Olot was largely healthy, with only minor issues such as hearing loss and reduced mobility, but her mind remained sharp, and her connection with the world around her never waned.

In her later years, María became active on social media, sharing wisdom about life and aging with her followers. In a December 2022 post on X, she mused that longevity was a matter of both luck and genetics. María’s claim seems well-founded, as another report revealed that many of her family members lived beyond 90 years old, suggesting that genetics indeed played a significant role in her remarkable lifespan. However, despite acknowledging the power of genes, María firmly believed that certain lifestyle choices were crucial in her ability to live such a long and healthy life. Her approach to aging, which combined simple habits with a positive outlook, provides valuable lessons for anyone interested in living a longer, healthier life.

Here are five of María Branyas Morera’s longevity tips, based on her own life experiences and insights:

1. Avoiding Toxic People

María often emphasized the importance of steering clear of negative influences. “Stay away from toxic people,” she advised. And research supports this. According to a 2020 study published in Health Psychology, regular criticism from a partner was linked to a higher risk of mortality. The impact of negative relationships on both mental and physical health cannot be understated, and María’s advice highlights the importance of cultivating healthy, supportive connections throughout life.

Avoiding toxic relationships can also significantly reduce stress, which has been closely tied to accelerated aging. Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, leading to a host of negative health outcomes, including inflammation, cardiovascular problems, and impaired immune function. Notably, the American Psychological Association notes that chronic stress can shorten telomeres – the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes – which is associated with cellular aging and a higher risk of age-related diseases. By minimizing stress through avoiding toxic people and fostering healthier relationships, individuals can promote greater longevity and overall well-being.

2. Prioritizing Strong Family Ties

In a post on X, María talks about how she believed that strong, nurturing family bonds helped protect her from feeling lonely. She credited her close relationships with her family as a key factor in her long life. Science strongly supports the connection between social bonds and longevity. Maintaining close relationships with loved ones promotes a sense of belonging and purpose, both of which are crucial elements of healthy aging.

This emphasis on family and community is also a common thread in the so-called “Blue Zones,” regions of the world where people consistently live to be 100 or older. In these areas, which include parts of Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Ikaria, Greece, people often prioritize strong familial and social connections. In Sardinia, for example, the extended family unit plays a central role in daily life, providing a support network that contributes to the physical and emotional well-being of its elderly members. Similarly, in Okinawa, the concept of “moai” refers to lifelong social groups that provide both financial and emotional support, reinforcing the importance of community ties.

Like the residents of these Blue Zones, María’s strong family connections likely played a crucial role in her long and healthy life. Her relationships offered her a sense of purpose and emotional security, factors that are just as important as physical health when it comes to aging well.

María Branyas sitting with friends and family in an office.

3. Embracing Positivity and Letting Go of Regrets

María also believed in the power of positivity, and she was a firm believer in living with no worries or regrets. Her outlook aligns with findings from researchers at the Complutense University of Madrid, who discovered that centenarians often share a common trait: an ability to focus on the positives in life. Letting go of things beyond our control and embracing optimism can contribute to both mental and physical well-being, helping us navigate the challenges of aging with grace.

4. Practicing Moderation

María didn’t follow any strict diet, but she did stress the importance of eating in moderation. “I’ve always eaten little,” shared María. And while she didn’t explicitly state it, her habit of eating small portions may indicate an informal practice of caloric restriction. Caloric restriction, which involves reducing daily calorie intake without malnutrition, has been strongly tied to longevity and has been shown to extend lifespan across multiple model organisms, from yeast to primates.

Research suggests that caloric restriction can reduce metabolic stress, enhance cellular repair mechanisms, and delay the onset of age-related diseases. Though María’s approach was likely more intuitive than intentional, her habit of eating lightly aligns with one of the most studied and promising interventions for promoting a longer, healthier life.

5. Incorporating Yogurt into Her Daily Diet

One of María’s daily habits was eating yogurt. She believed in its numerous health benefits and made it a consistent part of her diet. While research on yogurt’s direct impact on longevity remains inconclusive, it is often recommended for its high protein content and benefits to gut health due to containing probiotics — beneficial gut bacteria. Interestingly, one study found that yogurt consumption can increase gut microbe diversity, which has been linked to better digestion, improved immune function, and even enhanced brain health.

The Legacy of María Branyas Morera

María’s longevity tips, though simple, reflect a lifetime of wisdom and healthy habits. Her emphasis on strong relationships, positivity, moderation, and a balanced diet, combined with the genetic luck she often credited, highlights the multifaceted nature of aging well. As more people aim to live longer and healthier lives, María’s approach serves as a reminder that sometimes the most profound changes come from small, consistent efforts.