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People File • Supercentenarian

Maria Branyas

Maria Branyas Morera was an American-born Spanish supercentenarian of Catalan descent who lived to 117 years, 168 days.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Maria Branyas Morera was the world's oldest verified living person from January 2023 until her death in August 2024. Born in San Francisco in 1907, she lived to 117 years and 168 days.

What it is

Maria Branyas Morera was an American-born Spanish supercentenarian of Catalan descent. She held the title of the world's oldest verified living person after the death of French nun Lucile Randon on 17 January 2023, a position she maintained until her own death in August 2024.

Key details

Born in San Francisco on 4 March 1907 to a Catalan family, she later moved to Spain. Her age was verified by longevity researchers, and at death she was 117 years and 168 days old. Public accounts suggest she attributed her long life to good genes and a disciplined lifestyle, avoiding smoking and drinking.

Why it matters

Branyas's exceptional age drew international media attention and scientific interest in the factors behind human longevity. Her life offers a real-world case study for researchers, though no single 'secret' was ever proven. She remains one of the longest-lived verified humans in history.

In short

  • World's oldest verified living person from January 2023 to August 2024.
  • Lived to 117 years and 168 days, born in San Francisco in 1907.
  • Spent most of her life in Spain and was of Catalan descent.
  • Her longevity sparked public curiosity about genetics and lifestyle.

Quick questions

Who is Maria Branyas?
Maria Branyas Morera was an American-born Spanish supercentenarian recognized as the world's oldest verified living person from January 2023 until her death in August 2024.
How old was Maria Branyas?
She died at age 117 years and 168 days on 19 August 2024.
What is Maria Branyas's secret to longevity?
Public reports said she attributed her longevity to good genes and a disciplined lifestyle, including not smoking or drinking; however, no single scientifically proven 'secret' was established.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Branyas
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, death date, age at death, and becoming the world's oldest verified living person on 17 January 2023.
  2. Le Monde — https://www.lemonde.fr/en/europe/article/2024/08/20/world-s-oldest-person-spain-s-maria-branyas-dies-at-age-117_6718831_143.html
    Supports: Her death at age 117, birth in San Francisco, and recognition as the world's oldest living person in January 2023.
  3. Gerontology Research Group — https://www.grg-supercentenarians.org/maria-branyas-morera/
    Supports: Verified age, birthplace, and record status as oldest living person and longevity recordholder for Spain.
  4. Viquipèdia — https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Branyas_Morera
    Supports: Catalan descent, record status since 17 January 2023, and Spanish longevity record context.