World's Oldest Person, María Branyas Morera, Dies at 117

María Branyas Morera, the world's oldest person, has passed away at the remarkable age of 117 years and 168 days. Her family announced that she died peacefully in her sleep at a nursing home in Catalonia, Spain, where she had resided for the past two decades.

Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, Morera lived through numerous historical events, including two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and two global pandemics. Her life spanned three centuries, making her a living testament to human resilience and adaptability.

Morera attributed her longevity to a combination of factors, including genetics, maintaining a positive outlook, and avoiding toxic individuals. She also emphasized the importance of order, tranquility, and emotional stability in her life.

Throughout her life, Morera demonstrated remarkable resilience. She survived the 1918 influenza pandemic and even contracted COVID-19 at the age of 113, recovering swiftly with only mild symptoms. Her ability to overcome such challenges highlights the exceptional nature of her longevity.

"I will also leave my memories, my reflections and I will cease to exist in this body. I don't know when, but very soon this long journey will come to an end. Death will find me worn down from having lived so much, but I want to meet it with a smile, feeling free and satisfied."

Morera's life was rich with experiences. She worked alongside her husband, treating wounded soldiers during the Spanish Civil War, and later assisted him in his medical practice. Her passion for travel took her to various countries, including Egypt, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

With Morera's passing, the title of the world's oldest living person now belongs to Tomiko Itooka of Japan, who is 116 years old. This transition highlights the rarity of reaching such an advanced age, with only about 1 in 1,000 centenarians living to become supercentenarians (individuals aged 110 and over).

Experts in gerontology emphasize that exceptional longevity is influenced by various factors. While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices, diet, and maintaining a positive attitude are also crucial. The Mediterranean diet, social connections, and a sense of purpose are often associated with increased longevity and reduced risk of age-related diseases.

As the global population ages, the number of centenarians is projected to increase significantly. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, there will be approximately 3.7 million centenarians worldwide, up from the current estimate of 593,000.

María Branyas Morera's life serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the potential for human longevity. Her legacy will continue to fascinate researchers and individuals alike, as we strive to understand the secrets of living a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.