20-8-2024 (OLOT)Â Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest known person, has peacefully passed away at the remarkable age of 117. Her family announced her death on Tuesday, stating that she died in her sleep at the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, a town in north-eastern Spain.
Born in San Francisco in 1907, Branyas lived through some of the most tumultuous periods in modern history, including two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, and two global pandemics. Her life story is a testament to human resilience and adaptability.
Branyas’ family shared the news of her passing on social media, expressing their gratitude for her wisdom and kindness. In her final days, Branyas herself had posted a poignant message, reassuring her loved ones and followers not to grieve for her.
The Guinness World Records had officially recognised Branyas as the world’s oldest person in January 2023, following the death of French nun Lucile Randon at 118. With Branyas’ passing, the title of oldest living person now falls to Tomiko Itooka of Japan, born on 23 May 1908 and currently 116 years old.
Throughout her life, Branyas demonstrated remarkable fortitude. She survived the 1918 influenza pandemic and, more recently, overcame COVID-19 at the age of 113. Her daughter, Rosa Moret, attributed her mother’s longevity to good genetics, noting that Branyas had never been hospitalised or suffered any broken bones.
Branyas herself believed that her long life was due to a combination of factors, including maintaining order, tranquillity, and positive connections with family and friends. She also emphasised the importance of emotional stability, avoiding regrets, and steering clear of toxic individuals.
Born to Spanish parents who had emigrated to the United States, Branyas’ early life was marked by tragedy. Her family’s return to Spain in 1915 was overshadowed by her father’s death from tuberculosis during the Atlantic crossing.
After settling in Barcelona, Branyas married a doctor in 1931. The couple was together for four decades until her husband’s passing at 72. She leaves behind two surviving children, 11 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona, who studied Branyas’ DNA to understand the secrets of her longevity, were astounded by her mental acuity and overall health. Professor Manel Esteller noted her remarkable ability to recall events from her early childhood with clarity, as well as her lack of common age-related cardiovascular issues.
