She Lived to 117—and Swore Yogurt Was the Secret. Now the World Is Paying Attention
Few people ever get to celebrate 117 birthdays. For Maria Branyas Morera, reaching that astonishing milestone wasn’t just a triumph of time—it was a tapestry of memories, resilience, and quietly profound wisdom.
Before her passing at 117 years and 168 days, Maria was the world’s oldest known living person. But while the headlines marveled at her age, it was her insights into life—and longevity—that left the deepest impression.
Among them? One surprisingly simple habit: a daily serving of yogurt.
Yogurt Over Fads: Maria’s Timeless Staple
In a world chasing superfoods and biohacks, Maria’s so-called “secret” was refreshingly ordinary. Yogurt wasn’t just a snack to her—it was comfort, nourishment, and a quiet, unwavering ritual. She called it her “heavenly manna.”
No powders, no potions. Just creamy, natural yogurt—every single day.
A Century of Change, A Lifetime of Grace
Born in 1907 in San Francisco to Spanish parents, Maria returned to Spain as a child and lived through more upheaval than most history books contain.
She witnessed two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the 1918 flu pandemic, and—more than a century later—the rise of COVID-19. Her life stretched from horse-drawn carriages to smartphones, from telegrams to TikTok.
She raised three children, outlived one of them, and saw her family grow across generations. Through it all, she remained grounded, gentle, and deeply observant.
“It Takes Luck—And a Little Yogurt”
In a reflective social media post in 2022, Maria wrote, “Living this long takes some luck. And good genetics.” But she didn’t stop there.
She credited her longevity to a few guiding habits: eating well, avoiding drama, spending time in nature, maintaining close relationships—and staying away from toxic people.
And yes, she included yogurt.
A Belief Rooted in Tradition
Maria believed yogurt was more than food—it was a gift from nature. For over 20 years, she consumed it daily, favoring the plain, natural kind. Her devotion echoed both ancient tradition and modern science.
She cited Bulgarian studies linking yogurt to long life. She referenced Persian legends claiming Abraham owed his long years to fermented milk. Whether myth or medicine, Maria saw yogurt as a faithful ally in her journey through time.
The Science Agrees
Though humble, yogurt is no slouch when it comes to health benefits. Packed with probiotics, it supports digestion, strengthens immunity, reduces inflammation, and may even influence mood and brain function through the gut-brain connection.
Some studies even suggest a healthy microbiome could play a role in slowing the aging process. So Maria’s “heavenly manna” might have been more than a comfort food—it could’ve been a quiet powerhouse.
A Blue Zones Connection
Maria’s lifestyle mirrors that of people in the world’s famed “Blue Zones”—places like Okinawa, Sardinia, and Ikaria—where centenarians are surprisingly common. These communities eat simply, move naturally, avoid stress, and stay socially connected.
One thing they all share? Fermented foods—like yogurt—are part of the routine.
As Blue Zones researcher Dan Buettner notes, it’s not just what people eat—but how. Meals are enjoyed slowly, with purpose and community. Food becomes more than sustenance—it becomes a rhythm of life.
It Wasn’t Just the Yogurt
Experts caution against attributing Maria’s age to a single factor. Longevity researcher Richard Faragher points out the role of survivorship bias—the fact that we hear about the outliers, not the many who lived similarly but died younger.
Still, Maria’s habits—gentle living, strong ties, and daily rituals—reflect patterns found in the longest-lived populations around the world. Yogurt may not be magic, but for Maria, it was a grounding force in a life of remarkable endurance.
A Legacy of Simplicity
Maria’s story isn’t about chasing immortality. It’s about living with intention.
She didn’t follow fads. She didn’t fear aging. She embraced her body’s needs, found joy in small things, and gave herself permission to slow down. Her daily yogurt wasn’t a trend—it was a quiet celebration of health, peace, and presence.
What We Can Learn From 117 Years
Maria Branyas Morera didn’t just live long—she lived well. Her life reminds us that true vitality isn’t found in extremes, but in consistency, kindness, and care.
Here’s what she taught us:
- Choose calm over chaos.
- Be with people who lift you up.
- Eat simply.
- Step outside.
- Breathe deeply.
- Avoid what drains your spirit.
- Find joy in your daily rituals.
And maybe—just maybe—start with a spoonful of yogurt.