Science & Technology

Study of 117-year-old woman offers clues to extreme human longevity

By T.K. Randall
January 5, 2026 ·  6 comments

Image: AI-generated (Midjourney) Born in 1907, Maria Branyas - an American-Catalan who lived for 117 years and 168 days before her death in August 2024, was officially one of the oldest humans to ever live.

But how is it that some people can live - often without any major health issues or signs of disease - for decades longer than others ?

To learn more, scientists in Spain have been exploring everything there is to know about Branyas' health based on blood, saliva, urine and stool samples she provided just prior to her death.

The researchers found that she was in remarkably good health for someone so old, with low levels of bad cholesterol, high levels of good cholesterol, a strong heart and excellent brain and immune system function.

In other words - her cells behaved like those of someone decades younger."Extreme human lifespan, exemplified by supercentenarians, presents a paradox in understanding aging: despite advanced age, they maintain relatively good health," the scientists wrote.

"The picture that emerges from our study, although derived only from this one exceptional individual, shows that extremely advanced age and poor health are not intrinsically linked."

It is still unclear exactly why Branyas lived so long; while genetics are likely to have been a major factor, her Mediterranean diet was also likely to have benefited her as well.

Even then, it seems as though there must have been something a little more to it than that.

If the root of her longevity can be found, it may be possible to help others live longer as well.

It might also reveal the key to remaining healthier for far longer into old age.

Source: Science Alert | Comments (6)

Tags: Old Age