Maria Morera, 117: 'She had no magic gene, it was probably the snack she ate 3 times daily

Living till the age of 117 years and 168 days sounds almost mythical, but for Maria Branyas Morera, known to scientists as M116, it was her reality. Born in San Francisco in 1907 and later settling in Spain, Maria wasn’t a celebrity, but her story has now become a scientific marvel. Researchers from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute studied her biology to uncover what made her live so long, and what they found was fascinating.
There wasn’t a single “super gene” behind her life. Instead, her longevity was built on a blend of biology, lifestyle, and a very humble daily habit: eating yoghurt three times a day.

For over two decades, Maria enjoyed three servings of yoghurt daily, morning, afternoon, and night. It wasn’t part of a fad or diet trend; it was simply something she liked. But this small act turned out to have an enormous impact on her health.

Researchers discovered that Maria’s gut microbiome, her inner ecosystem of bacteria, was similar to that of someone decades younger. It was rich in Bifidobacterium, a beneficial bacterium known for reducing inflammation and promoting better metabolism. These bacteria thrive in yoghurt containing strains like Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, which she consumed regularly.

According to Cell Reports Medicine (2024), this consistent intake of probiotic-rich yoghurt possibly reshaped her gut environment, keeping it youthful and resilient, a key factor in her healthy aging.

Scientists found that Maria’s gut health was unusually robust for her age. Normally, as people grow older, the diversity of gut bacteria declines, often leading to chronic inflammation and age-related diseases. But Maria’s gut told a different story.

Her body was home to an anti-inflammatory gut microbiome that supported her metabolism, immune system, and even brain health. Researchers believe this microbial balance may have been one of the biggest reasons she avoided illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and dementia, even in her late 110s.

Dr Manel Esteller, who led the study, noted that her yogurt habit could have contributed to maintaining a “young gut” by supporting beneficial bacterial growth and reducing body fat and insulin resistance, two major markers of longevity.

While Maria’s yoghurt diet drew attention, her body itself was an extraordinary canvas of balance. The study showed that she carried rare genetic variants that offered natural protection against common diseases. For example, her DNA carried variations linked to strong immune function, brain health, and cardiovascular protection.

Interestingly, she also lacked several genetic variants known to shorten lifespan. Her lipid metabolism was outstanding with high HDL (“good” cholesterol) and low triglycerides, helping her maintain a strong heart even past 100.

Yet, despite having very short telomeres (the caps at the ends of chromosomes that usually shorten with age), she showed no signs of major illness. This revealed something striking: aging and disease aren’t always inseparable.

Beyond biology, Maria lived a grounded and gentle life. She never smoked or drank, followed a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil and whole foods, and took daily walks in the countryside.

Even in her later years, she remained mentally active, listening to music, socialising, and staying curious. These habits, researchers suggest, may have helped lower her chronic inflammation levels and kept her immune system active and responsive.

Her life wasn’t about luxury or secret supplements; it was about consistency. A peaceful routine, nourishing foods, and emotional stability became her quiet path to an extraordinary age.

Maria’s story isn’t a call to chase 117; it’s a reminder to focus on health span, the years lived in good health. Her case shows how lifestyle and gut health can influence aging as much as genetics.

Experts like Prof. Claire Steves from King’s College London emphasized that her longevity wasn’t a “fluke,” but rather the result of multiple systems working in harmony, her gut, immune system, metabolism, and genes all supporting each other.

As Dr Esteller put it, “She was lucky from the start, but she added years through the way she lived.”

Maria’s daily yogurt might seem like a small act, but in her case, it became a quiet revolution inside her body, a daily dose of balance that perhaps kept her young from the inside out.

Her story leaves behind a simple truth: the secret to long life may begin in the gut, but it thrives in a kind, consistent way of living. Nurturing both the body and mind through balanced nutrition, regular movement, stress management, and meaningful connections creates a foundation for lasting health and happiness.

Maria Morera’s life offers more than a medical mystery; it offers hope. It shows that aging can be graceful, that the gut truly plays a central role in overall well-being, and that sometimes, longevity comes not from grand interventions, but from small, loving habits sustained over time.

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This article is based on findings from the study published in Cell Reports Medicine (2024). It is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual dietary or lifestyle changes should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

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Staying fit has been long connected to longevity, and for good reason. No matter how old one is, make sure to exercise everyday. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, strengthens muscles and bones, and enhances overall quality of life, helping you stay independent and active as you age.

To age like a fine wine is to embrace the passage of time not as a decline, but as a journey toward greater complexity and vitality, rooted in conscious lifestyle choices. This process involves diligently nourishing your body with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and healthy fats, while consistently engaging in varied physical activity that maintains strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Equally crucial is tending to your mental and emotional well-being by prioritizing quality sleep, effectively managing stress through mindfulness, staying intellectually curious with lifelong learning, and cultivating a deep, positive social network, ultimately ensuring your later years are characterized by joy, purpose, and robust health.

Maria's adherence to a Mediterranean diet, regular physical activity, and strong social connections contributed to her extended health span. Her story underscores the importance of consistent, health-promoting habits in achieving longevity. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes nutritious eating, exercise, and meaningful relationships can significantly enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic diseases over time.

Maria emphasized tranquility, strong social connections, positivity, staying away from toxic people, and maintaining mental clarity. Even in very old age, she remained lucid and mentally active, and showed how lifestyle choices and a positive mindset can support long-term cognitive health and overall well-being.