Overview: A Life Packed with Consistency
Maria Branyas Morera, known to researchers as M116, lived to 117 years and 168 days—an age that sounds almost mythical. Her story isn’t built on a single “super gene” or a dramatic medical breakthrough; it’s rooted in a consistent daily routine, thoughtful eating, and a unique gut microbiome. A team from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute examined her biology to understand what kept her healthy for so long and found a compelling blend of factors that point to longevity as a lifestyle outcome as well as a genetic one.
The Small Habit That Made a Big Difference
For more than two decades, Maria ate three servings of yoghurt every day—morning, afternoon, and night. This wasn’t a trendy ritual; it was simply a food she enjoyed. Yet researchers propose that this habit helped shape a gut environment that remained remarkably youthful for her age. The daily intake of probiotic-rich yoghurt introduced friendly bacteria that can influence metabolism, inflammation, and immune function.
The Gut as a Longevity Hub
The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine (2024), found that Maria’s gut microbiome bore hallmarks of someone much younger. It was rich in Bifidobacterium, a group of bacteria linked to reduced inflammation and better metabolic health. Yogurt strains such as Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, consumed regularly by Maria, may have contributed to maintaining a balanced and resilient gut ecosystem.
In aging populations, gut diversity often wanes, which can lead to chronic inflammation and several age-related diseases. Maria’s gut, however, remained unusually robust for her years. This anti-inflammatory microbiome likely supported her metabolism, immune system, and even brain health, creating a protective milieu against conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and dementia later in life.
Genetics and a Lifestyle that Complement Each Other
Beyond her diet, Maria’s body carried rare genetic variants that offered natural protection against common illnesses. Her DNA showed traits associated with strong immune function, brain health, and cardiovascular protection, and she lacked several variants typically associated with shortened lifespan. Her lipid profile was especially favorable, with high HDL cholesterol and low triglycerides, which supports heart health well into advanced age. Interestingly, she had very short telomeres yet did not exhibit typical age-related illnesses, underscoring that aging and disease aren’t bound to a single formula.
Healthy Habits Beyond Food
Maria’s longevity wasn’t only about yogurt. She lived a Mediterranean-style lifestyle: no smoking, limited alcohol, olive oil-rich meals, and plenty of whole foods. She took daily walks, remained mentally active through music and social engagement, and stayed curious about the world. Researchers believe these habits likely helped suppress chronic inflammation and kept her immune system responsive, further supporting her remarkable health span.
Implications: Why This Matters for Everyone
Maria Morera’s life suggests that longevity may be achieved not solely through genetics but by nurturing the gut microbiome and adopting a balanced lifestyle. Experts like Professor Claire Steves of King’s College London emphasize that her longevity appears to be the result of interconnected systems working in harmony—the gut, immune system, metabolism, and genetics all playing a role.
As Dr. Esteller puts it, “She was lucky from the start, but she added years through the way she lived.” The yogurt habit stands as a quiet revolution inside the body, a daily practice that could influence aging from the inside out. It’s not a call to chase 117, but a reminder to prioritize health span—years lived in good health—through simple, consistent choices.
Takeaway: A Healthier Gut, A Healthier Life
Maria Morera’s legacy isn’t a medical mystery to be solved with a single intervention. It’s a testament to the power of small, steady acts—daily yogurt, regular physical activity, mental engagement, and a nutrient-dense diet—in shaping a resilient gut and a longer, healthier life.
