Today marks Maria Branyas Morera’s 117th birthday. Scientists are hopeful that the Spanish retiree may help them discover the keys to a long life.
In 1907, Ms. Morera was born in San Francisco, during a second outbreak of the bubonic plague.
After her father, Josep, became ill in 1915, during the First World War, the family decided to return to Spain.
He ended up dying of tuberculosis on the ship they were crossing the Atlantic on, with his now-centenarian daughter injuring herself in a fall during the same voyage and later discovering she had lost her hearing in one ear.
After that, she lived through two world wars: the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu Pandemic, and most recently, COVID-19.
She got the official title of the world’s oldest person following the death of French nun Sister André in January 2023.
Unlike most people her age, Ms. Morera uses social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, extensively and informs her 16,000 followers on a daily basis about her life.
Today she wrote, ‘Good morning, world. Today I turn 117 years old. I’ve come this far.’
But Ms Morera’s exceptional health at such an age has drawn the attention of scientists to study her body.
Scientist Manel Esteller told Spanish news outlet ABC: ‘She has a completely lucid head.
‘She remembers with impressive clarity events from when she was only four years old, and she does not present any cardiovascular disease, common in elderly people.
‘It is clear that there is a genetic component because there are several members of her family who are over 90 years old.’
Ms. Morera has consented to participate in some scientific tests so that researchers might learn more about the keys to a long life in an effort to aid others.
Samples of her blood, urine, and saliva have already been taken, and they will be compared to those of her 80-year-old daughter.
The samples will enable researchers to examine Ms Morera’s genetic makeup and aid in the creation of medications that might combat illnesses linked to ageing.
Ms Morera, who has three daughters, eleven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren, credits “order, tranquilly,” and “avoiding toxic people” for her longevity.
Since she was ninety-two, she has made living a stress-free life her top priority and has resided in protected accommodation in the Catalan town of Olot.
Until she was 105 years old, she exercised every morning, read newspapers, and played the piano.
After winning the title of world’s oldest person last year, she posted on Twitter, ‘Sorry for not responding individually.
‘I am surprised and grateful for the expectation generated by the fact that I am the oldest living person in the world.
‘Thank you very much to everyone for the interest shown, although I have not done any merit. These days have been very overwhelming.’
She said that she wanted “peace and tranquilly” and that she would not be answering any further requests for interviews from journalists.
This lovely lady’s willingness to assist scientists is admirable. Consider the vast amount of experience and tales this woman possesses.
This lady is amazing. People try to stay balanced. Stay away from people who aren’t. Don’t drink too much, and don’t smoke. Have a sense of humour, and don’t take offence too easily. Try to see others as your family and make allowances for them when they don’t meet your expectations. Forgive and forget when you can, and give others what you can.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 