World's Oldest Person Dies at 117 Years Old
Maria Branyas Morera, a Spanish supercentenarian who held the title of the world's oldest living person since January 2023, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 19, 2024, at the age of 117.
Born in San Francisco in 1907, her life spanned three centuries and witnessed some of history's most significant events, including two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and the 1918 flu pandemic.
Maria's Long Life
Morera's remarkable journey began on March 4, 1907, in the midst of the Second Wave of the Bubonic Plague. Her father, Josep, was a journalist and her mother, Francesca, a homemaker.
Soon after her birth, the family immigrated to Europe, settling in Spain. Her life wasn't without tragedy. She lost her son to a tractor accident at the age of 86, a loss that undoubtedly marked her deeply.
Despite these challenges, Morera lived a life full of resilience and intellectual curiosity. She became a seamstress and later, an avid reader and writer.
In her later years, she penned a memoir titled "Between Memories: Pieces of My Life," reflecting on her experiences and the vast changes she witnessed throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
How She Became the World's Oldest Living Person
Morera's exceptional longevity came into the spotlight in 2023 when she became the world's oldest living person at 116 years old, following the passing of Lucile Randon of France. This sparked scientific interest in her life, leading researchers to study her genetics and lifestyle habits in hopes of unlocking the secrets to her long life.
However, Morera attributed her longevity to a combination of factors.
Genetics likely played a role, as her own sister lived to be 100 years old.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a positive outlook on life.
Notably, she survived a bout of COVID-19 in 2020, further demonstrating her robust health.
A Tribute to Her Passing
Morera's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from around the world. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez praised her "extraordinary life" and her "example of resilience and hope."
Her family, through her social media account, described her passing as peaceful, stating, "She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain."
Morera's story serves as a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and adapt. Her life spanned a period of immense historical change, and her longevity offers a unique perspective on the world we live in today.
While the secrets to her long life remain elusive, her story is an inspiration to all, reminding us of the importance of resilience, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive outlook on life.
Beyond her exceptional age, Morera's life serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and living each day to the fullest. Her passing leaves a void but also an inspiring legacy of resilience and a life well-lived.