Maria Branyas Morera, originally from the US, spent most of her life in Spain. Courtesy: Guinness World Records
Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest person, has passed away at the age of 117. Her family shared the news on social media, and Guinness World Records confirmed her death. Born on March 4, 1907, in the United States, Morera had been living in a nursing home in Catalonia, Spain, for the past 20 years. She died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, as reported by the Guinness World Records.
Her family posted on her social media account that she had expressed her wish to pass away peacefully and without pain. Just before her death, Morera had reflected on her long life, saying she hoped to meet her end with a smile, feeling free and satisfied.
Maria Branyas Morera was recognized as the world's oldest living person by Guinness World Records in January 2023, following the death of French nun Sister André, who was 118. Morera attributed her longevity to a life of order, tranquillity, and a positive mindset. She believed that good genetics and a bit of luck also played a role in her impressive lifespan.
Born just a few years after the Wright Brothers’ first flight and before the Titanic was even built, Morera's life spanned significant historical events, including the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Her family moved back to Spain from the US when she was young, and she lived through many of the 20th century's most defining moments.
A photo of Maria Branyas Morera from her younger years. CNN
Even in her later years, Morera stayed active and engaged with her thousands of followers on social media, communicating with them via X (formerly Twitter) with help from her daughter. Despite her age, she remained sharp and witty, as reflected in her social media bio.
Remarkably, Morera also survived Covid-19, testing positive in May 2020. This resilience was noted by many as a testament to her strength and vitality.
As of now, the title of the oldest living person goes to Tomiko Itooka, a 116-year-old woman from Japan. The record for the oldest person ever is held by Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old.
