Maria Branyas, a Spanish-born American recognized as the world's oldest person, has passed away at the age of 117, her family announced on Tuesday. "Maria Branyas has left us. She went as she wished: while sleeping, peacefully and without pain," read a message from Branyas's family on her social media account on X, where her son-in-law documented her reflections and daily life.
Branyas became the world's oldest living person in January 2023, following the death of French nun Lucile Randon, who passed away at 118 years old. Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, California, to Catalan parents, Branyas moved to Catalonia at a young age, where she spent the majority of her long life.
Despite her advanced age, Branyas's lucidity and good health amazed both experts and family members until she began showing signs of weakness in recent months. Her life story is a testament to an extraordinary capacity for resilience. During her youth, Branyas lost her father during their return journey to Catalonia after he contracted tuberculosis on the ship bringing them back to Europe. This event, along with her hearing impairment and the experience of exile during the Spanish Civil War, marked her life but did not prevent her from reaching old age with an optimistic and amiable spirit.
Life and Legacy of Maria Branyas
Branyas married traumatologist Joan Moret in 1931, with whom she had three children, later adding 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren to their family. Her life became the subject of scientific studies, including those conducted by Dr. Manel Esteller, who investigated her DNA to uncover the secrets of her longevity. According to Esteller, factors such as a good genome, a Mediterranean diet rich in yogurt, and an active social life contributed to her remarkable resistance to aging and common diseases seen in other people her age.
Throughout her life, Branyas remained engaged with historical and political events, although in her later years, after losing her hearing and sight, she began to distance herself from these topics. Nevertheless, she shared her insights on life and death with her family and followers on social media. In one of her final messages, she expressed, "A day unknown to me, but very close, this long journey will end. Death will find me worn out from having lived so long, but I want it to find me smiling, free, and satisfied."
Maria Branyas was also among the oldest people to survive COVID-19, defeating the illness in 2020 at the age of 113. With her passing, the title of the world's oldest person now goes to Japanese citizen Tomiko Itooka, born on May 23, 1908. The next oldest person named by the Gerontology Research Group is also Japanese, Tomiko Itooka, who is 116 years old.
Understanding Maria Branyas's Longevity
Maria Branyas’s life and longevity have sparked curiosity and admiration around the world. Here are some frequently asked questions about her remarkable journey:
What factors contributed to Maria Branyas's longevity?
Dr. Manel Esteller's studies suggest that a good genome, a Mediterranean diet rich in yogurt, and an active social life played significant roles in her longevity.
How did Maria Branyas stay healthy for so long?
Branyas maintained her health through a combination of good genetics, a nutritious diet, and remaining socially active throughout her life.
What was Maria Branyas's perspective on life and death?
In her final messages, Branyas expressed a desire to face death with a smile, feeling free and satisfied with her long life.
Who is now the world's oldest living person?
With Maria Branyas's passing, Japanese citizen Tomiko Itooka, born on May 23, 1908, is now the world's oldest living person.