Maria Branyas Morera, who was recognized as the world’s oldest person, passed away peacefully on Monday at the age of 117.
Family was Central
According to Ziare she was residing in a nursing home in Olot, Spain. Branyas lived a life filled with wisdom and shared valuable lessons on longevity that have inspired many.
Branyas credited her long life to avoiding toxic relationships and maintaining close ties with her family. She believed that staying away from negative influences was key to her well-being—a belief supported by scientific research showing that stressful relationships can harm health.
Family was also central to her life; she often spoke about the importance of strong, caring connections to buffer against loneliness and maintain emotional balance. “I was lucky to have a close-knit family that always supported me,” she shared on social media earlier this year.
Eating in Moderation
Her life was marked by a positive outlook and an absence of regrets. Branyas embraced life with optimism, which helped her overcome many challenges and enjoy every moment. She also practiced moderation in her daily habits.
While she never adhered to a strict diet, she emphasized the importance of eating in moderation. One of her daily routines included enjoying a bowl of natural yogurt, which she believed offered numerous health benefits.
Maria Branyas Morera passed away just as she had hoped—peacefully and without pain, in her sleep. The day before her death, she expressed to her family that she felt the end was near but welcomed it with a smile and gratitude for the long, full life she had lived.
Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, Branyas lived through some of the most tumultuous periods in modern history, moving to Spain as a child but remaining a global figure of longevity. Her life lessons continue to inspire those seeking to live not just longer but better.
