September 29, 2025 | 05:40 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Maria Branyas Morera was recorded as the world's oldest person until her death in August 2024 at the remarkable age of 117 years and 168 days. Her exceptional longevity was recently analyzed in a study titled "The multiomics blueprint of the individual with the most extreme lifespan," published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
The study discussed several key factors behind the long life of Morera, who was born in the U.S. to Spanish parents and spent the vast majority of her life in Spain. Here are the habits that contributed to her healthy life and extreme lifespan:
1. The Mediterranean Diet
Diet significantly impacts health. Morera, who was born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, U.S., followed the Mediterranean diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest diets globally.
This diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, and olive oil. These foods are proven to benefit the heart, brain, and overall health. The diet also includes moderate amounts of fish and poultry, low-fat dairy products, while limiting red meat, sweets, and processed foods.
2. Daily Long Walks
Morera maintained an active lifestyle without needing a daily gym routine. Because she lived in a rural area, she preferred to walk for an hour a day. Walking is the simplest form of exercise and is strongly linked to improved overall health and longevity. A 2024 study by Griffith University researchers found that people in the most active quarter of a U.S. community had a 73 percent lower risk of death than the least active.
3. Eating Unsweetened Yogurt
Yogurt was an integral part of her daily diet. Morera loved it so much that she regularly consumed three servings of unsweetened yogurt a day. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria like Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, which are known to enhance gut health, a key factor in longevity.
Additionally, yogurt is beneficial for weight management, reducing body fat, improving insulin resistance, and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
4. Strong Social Life and Hobbies
Morera’s secret to longevity included maintaining a robust social life. Living in the countryside, she prioritized spending quality time with her family and friends. Her hobbies included playing with her dogs, reading, gardening, and playing the piano.
A large 2023 study involving over 28,000 Chinese participants found that frequent socializing is associated with a longer lifespan. The researchers found that the time to death was delayed by 110 percent in those who socialized at least once a week, and by 87 percent in those who socialized almost every day, compared to individuals who never socialized.
5. Abstinence from Smoking and Alcohol
Crucially, Morera never smoked or drank alcohol. Consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is a major contributor to chronic diseases, including an increased risk of various cancers. Avoiding both was undoubtedly one of the fundamental keys to Morera's exceptional longevity.
Editor’s Choice: 5 Morning Habits to Help Burn Belly Fat
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
7 Foods and Drinks to Avoid on Flights
4 jam lalu
Want a Comfortable Flight? Flight attendants and doctors reveal the foods and drinks you must avoid during flights.
Prabowo Awards Star of Merit to Bill Gates at UN General Assembly
5 hari lalu
Prabowo stated that Bill Gates had demonstrated "extraordinary merits and dedication to Indonesia," particularly in the health sector.
8 Healthy Tips for Achieving a Work-Life Balance
10 hari lalu
Achieving work-life balance involves setting priorities, creating clear schedules, and limiting work hours and gadget use outside of work.
US vs Canada: Which Country Has Better Living Opportunities?
10 hari lalu
US vs Canada sparks debate on healthcare, income, taxes, and lifestyle. See how North America's giants differ in opportunities and daily living.
Why BPJS Kesehatan is Planning to Raise Health Insurance Rates
14 hari lalu
Indonesian Finance Minister reveals the reasons behind the planned increase in BPJS Kesehatan health Insurance rates. Here are the details.
Indonesian Health Minister Denies Foreign Intervention in Nutri-Grade Labeling Process
19 hari lalu
This system aims to help consumers make healthier choices and encourage the industry to produce healthier products.
Natural GERD Relief: The Benefits of Turmeric for Gastric Acid
25 hari lalu
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is known to have many health benefits, including helping to relieve digestive problems such as gastric acid or GERD.
4 Tips to Choose a Resort for a Perfect Vacation
25 hari lalu
To guarantee a memorable vacation, it is crucial to choose the right resort for your needs. Check out the tips here.
7 Tips for Dealing with News Fatigue to Stay Sane and Informed
27 hari lalu
Feeling tired of the constant negative news? Here are some tips to tackle news fatigue and stay sane and informed.
Benefits of Herbal Tea: Maintaining Digestion and Helping You Sleep
28 hari lalu
Among various types of herbal teas, green tea holds the top position in providing health benefits.
