Maria Branyas Morera, World’s Oldest Living Person, Dies at 117

Olot (Spain):Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest living person, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday at the age of 117.

Born in San Francisco, United States, in 1907, she lived through two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, the 1918 flu pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Known for her resilience and optimism, Branyas spent her final decades at the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, northeastern Spain. Her family announced the news on social media, expressing their profound loss and remembering her for her wisdom and kindness.

Guinness World Records officially recognised Branyas as the world’s oldest living person in January 2023 following the passing of French nun Lucile Randon. The title now belongs to Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, born in 1908.

Branyas’ life was marked by extraordinary challenges. Her family’s return to Spain during World War I was fraught with tragedy, including the loss of her father at sea. Despite these hardships, she built a life, married a doctor, and raised three children.

Her remarkable longevity has intrigued scientists and the public alike. Researchers from the University of Barcelona studied Branyas’ DNA to uncover potential factors contributing to her exceptional lifespan. While genetics undoubtedly played a role, her daughter attributed her mother’s health to a lifetime free from major illnesses or injuries.