She Lived to 117—and Ate This 3 Times a Day

Living to 117 years and 168 days is no small feat. In fact, it’s extraordinary. Maria Branyas Morera—or M116, as she’s referred to in a groundbreaking study—was the world’s oldest verified living person until she died in 2024. 

Born in San Francisco in 1907 to Spanish parents, she moved to Spain at the age of 8 and spent the rest of her life there. Her story isn’t just about her remarkable age, it’s about what her body can teach us about living longer, healthier lives. Scientists conducted an in-depth study of her biology, and the findings were recently published in Cell Reports Medicine.

How Was This Study Conducted?

To understand what made M116 so unique, researchers performed a “multiomics” analysis, which is a deep dive into her biology using cutting-edge tools. They studied her DNA, proteins, metabolism, gut microbiome and even her epigenetics (the way her genes are regulated). Samples were taken from her blood, saliva, urine and stool, and the results were compared to those of younger individuals and other supercentenarians (people over 110 years old).

One key focus was her telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten as we age. They also analyzed her immune system, mitochondrial function (the energy powerhouses of cells) and even her gut bacteria. This comprehensive approach allowed scientists to piece together a detailed picture of what might have contributed to her extraordinary lifespan.

What Did the Study Find?

Overall, the findings revealed that M116’s longevity wasn’t due to a single “magic” gene or factor. Instead, it was a combination of unique traits across her biology that worked together to promote her long life. Here are some of the highlights:

Gut Microbiome

The researchers found that M116’s gut bacteria resembled that of a much younger person. She had high levels of Bifidobacterium, a beneficial bacterium associated with reduced inflammation and better overall health, per the study authors. Interestingly, her diet, which was rich in yogurt, may have played a role in maintaining this youthful microbiome. Specifically, she ate three servings of yogurt every single day for the last 20 years of her life. That’s over 21 servings a week and approximately 1,095 servings a year, a consistent and impressive commitment to this probiotic-rich food.

Her yogurt of choice contained beneficial bacteria like Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. These bacteria are known to promote the growth of Bifidobacterium in the gut, a type of “good” bacteria that supports anti-inflammatory responses, better digestion, and overall gut health. Interestingly, Bifidobacterium levels tend to decline with age, but M116’s microbiome showed unusually high levels of this beneficial bacterium.

Telomeres

Despite her advanced age, M116 had extremely short telomeres. Normally, short telomeres are linked to aging-related diseases like cancer or diabetes, per the study authors. However, M116 remained remarkably healthy, suggesting that her telomeres acted more like a biological clock rather than a predictor of disease.

Rare Genetic Variants

M116’s DNA contained rare genetic variants that likely contributed to her longevity. For example, variants in genes like DSCAML1 and MAP4K3 supported strong immune function and protection against diseases. Genes like LRP1 and LRP2 were linked to cardiovascular health, and variants in genes such as NSUN5 and TTBK1 may have helped preserve her cognitive abilities.

Interestingly, she also lacked what is sometimes classified as “harmful” genetic variants commonly associated with shorter lifespans.

Robust Immune System

Her immune system was a standout feature. While most people experience a decline in immune function with age, M116’s immune cells did not show the same progression. She had a high number of cytotoxic T cells (which “fight” infections and cancer) and she had a low level of chronic inflammation, a key factor in healthy aging.

Efficient Lipid Metabolism

M116’s body processed fats exceptionally well. She had high levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and low levels of triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol. This efficient lipid metabolism is often linked to a lower risk of heart disease and dementia.

Younger Biological Age

Using advanced “epigenetic clocks,” researchers found that M116’s biological age (how old her cells “felt”) was much younger than her chronological age. In fact, her cells behaved as if they were 23 years younger than her actual age. This cellular youthfulness likely contributed to her long and healthy life.

What Are the Study’s Limitations?

Even though researchers used advanced tools to analyze multiple layers of M116’s biology and compared her data to large population studies, there are still some limitations to consider per the study authors. For instance, while her telomere length was measured using a method called HT-Q-FISH, this analysis was performed on a mixed group of immune cells, including different types of lymphocytes and monocytes. Since each of these cell types has its own unique telomere behavior, the results may not fully represent her body’s overall aging process. Additionally, while the study explored key aspects of aging, such as inflammation and immune function, other critical factors, like cellular senescence (when cells stop dividing but don’t die) and autophagy (the body’s natural process of clearing out damaged cells), were not examined in detail. Lastly, the study did not assess how M116’s lifestyle choices, such as exercise or specific dietary habits, may have contributed to her longevity. Nor did it explore whether certain medications or treatments targeting her unique biological traits could have slowed aging or extended her life even further. 

How Does This Apply To Real Life?

M116’s story offers valuable lessons for real life, showing that longevity isn’t only about genetics, though they certainly play a role. Longevity also depends on the interplay of biology, lifestyle and environment. While we can’t control our DNA, we can take inspiration from some of her habits and biological traits. For instance, her daily yogurt consumption, which appeared to support a healthy gut microbiome, highlights the importance of diet in maintaining overall health. Similarly, her low levels of chronic inflammation remind us of the importance of managing stress, staying active, and eating anti-inflammatory foods to protect against age-related diseases.

The study also underscores the importance of a holistic approach to health. The researchers note that M116 filled her days with regular walks for exercise, socializing with friends and family and enjoying her hobbies, like playing the piano.

M116’s efficient metabolism, robust immune system and youthful biological age were likely the result of multiple factors working together. While we may not have access to advanced genetic insights or epigenetic clocks, we can focus on small, consistent habits that promote overall well-being, like regular exercise, a balanced diet and staying socially and mentally active. Her story is a reminder that while we can’t guarantee a lifespan of 117 years, we can take steps to improve our health span.

Our Expert Take

This study published in Cell Reports Medicine provides a glimpse into the secrets of longevity. Researchers discovered that her extraordinary lifespan was the result of a combination of factors, including a youthful gut microbiome, efficient metabolism, low inflammation and a robust immune system. While her unique genetics played a role, her consistent habits, like eating three servings of yogurt daily, highlight the impact of everyday choices on long-term health. These findings remind us that longevity isn’t about a single “magic” factor but rather the interplay of biology, lifestyle, and environment.