World's oldest person shares secrets to longevity at 117

María Branyas Morera, the world's oldest person, passed away peacefully at the age of 117 in a Spanish nursing home[2]. Her remarkable life spanned three centuries, offering valuable insights into the secrets of longevity. This article explores Morera's life, her tips for living a long and healthy life, and what science says about her advice.

Key Takeaways:

• María Branyas Morera lived to 117 years old, becoming the world's oldest person.
• She attributed her longevity to avoiding toxic people, maintaining strong family ties, and embracing a positive outlook.
• Morera emphasized the importance of order, tranquility, good connections with family and friends, and contact with nature.
• Scientific research supports many of Morera's longevity tips, particularly regarding social connections and stress reduction.
• While genetics play a role in longevity, lifestyle choices can significantly impact one's lifespan and health.

The Life of María Branyas Morera

María Branyas Morera was born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, California[7]. Her life journey took her from the United States to Spain, where she spent most of her years. Morera lived through significant historical events, including two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which she survived at the age of 113[3].

Morera's Secrets to Longevity

Throughout her life, Morera shared several tips for living a long and healthy life. Her advice focused on both physical and mental well-being:

1. Avoid Toxic People

One of Morera's key recommendations was to "stay away from toxic people"[4]. She believed that surrounding oneself with positive influences was crucial for longevity. This advice aligns with scientific research that suggests toxic relationships can negatively impact a person's mortality risk[5].

2. Maintain Strong Family Ties

Morera emphasized the importance of close connections with family members[8]. She credited her strong family bonds as a significant factor in her longevity. Research supports this notion, showing that strong social connections can contribute to better health outcomes and increased lifespan.

3. Embrace Order and Tranquility

"Order, tranquility, good connections with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people" were all part of Morera's recipe for a long life[8]. This holistic approach to well-being encompasses both mental and physical health aspects.

4. Stay Connected with Nature

Morera advocated for maintaining a close connection with nature[8]. This advice aligns with numerous studies that have shown the positive effects of nature exposure on mental and physical health.

5. Cultivate Emotional Stability

Emotional stability was another key factor Morera credited for her longevity[8]. Managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook can indeed have significant impacts on overall health and lifespan.

6. Embrace Positivity

Maintaining a positive attitude was a recurring theme in Morera's advice. She encouraged people to focus on the good in life and avoid dwelling on regrets or worries[8].

Scientific Support for Morera's Longevity Tips

Many of Morera's recommendations for a long life are supported by scientific research:

Social Connections and Longevity

Studies have consistently shown that strong social connections, including family ties, can positively impact longevity. A meta-analysis published in PLOS Medicine found that people with stronger social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival compared to those with weaker social ties.

Stress Reduction and Health

Morera's emphasis on tranquility and avoiding toxic people aligns with research on the effects of stress on health. Chronic stress has been linked to numerous health issues, including cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and accelerated aging.

Nature Exposure and Well-being

Research has demonstrated that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost immune function. A study published in Scientific Reports found that people who spent at least 120 minutes in nature per week reported significantly higher levels of health and well-being.

Positive Outlook and Longevity

Morera's advice to maintain a positive attitude is supported by research on the effects of optimism on health. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that optimistic individuals had a 15% longer lifespan compared to pessimistic individuals.

Genetics vs. Lifestyle in Longevity

While Morera's lifestyle choices likely contributed to her longevity, it's important to note that genetics also play a significant role in determining lifespan. Research suggests that about 25% of the variation in human lifespan can be attributed to genetic factors.

However, this also means that a large portion of longevity is influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. This underscores the importance of adopting healthy habits, as Morera advocated, regardless of genetic predisposition.

Lessons from Supercentenarians

Supercentenarians, individuals who live to be 110 years or older, like Morera, offer valuable insights into the factors that contribute to extreme longevity. Common themes among supercentenarians include:

1. Maintaining social connections
2. Staying physically active
3. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities
4. Following a balanced diet
5. Having a sense of purpose

These themes align closely with Morera's own advice for living a long and healthy life.

Conclusion

María Branyas Morera's remarkable life and her insights into longevity offer valuable lessons for those seeking to live long, healthy lives. While we can't control all factors that influence lifespan, Morera's advice – supported by scientific research – provides a roadmap for making lifestyle choices that can positively impact our health and longevity.

By focusing on maintaining strong social connections, avoiding toxic influences, staying connected with nature, and cultivating a positive outlook, we can take steps towards improving our chances of living longer, healthier lives. While not everyone will reach the impressive age of 117, incorporating these principles into our daily lives can contribute to better health and well-being at any age.

As we reflect on Morera's life and legacy, we're reminded that longevity isn't just about the number of years lived, but about the quality of those years. By embracing her wisdom and the scientific insights that support it, we can work towards not just living longer, but living better.