Introduction
Every so often, a story breaks through the noise that quietly challenges decades of nutrition dogma. Not with a flashy clinical trial or a new pharmaceutical promise, but with a real human life lived to its very end. When the oldest living person in the world passes away, scientists do what they always do, they look closely. What they found in this case was not what most people have been taught to expect. It was a reminder that longevity rarely follows modern health narratives as neatly as we are told.
The Oldest Living Person Dies at 117
Maria Branyas Morera of Spain passed away at 117 years old, officially recognized as the world’s oldest living person at the time of her death. Before she passed, she agreed to be studied, offering researchers a rare window into extreme longevity. What immediately stood out was not frailty or decline, but resilience. Her biological markers painted a picture of someone aging slowly and gracefully at a cellular level. Among the most surprising findings was her cholesterol profile.
High Cholesterol, Not a Death Sentence
Doctors examining Maria’s bloodwork found her cholesterol levels were high by conventional standards. This alone contradicts the idea that elevated cholesterol inevitably leads to early death. Her lipid profile showed high HDL and low VLDL triglycerides, markers typically associated with metabolic health. LDL cholesterol was present and elevated, though it was not highlighted in alarming terms within the study. The bigger picture mattered more than a single number, and her body appeared to be using cholesterol effectively rather than suffering from it.
More Cholesterol, More Life?
When Maria’s lipid profile is placed next to population data, the story becomes even more interesting. Large observational studies have repeatedly found that higher cholesterol levels in older adults are associated with lower all cause mortality. This runs directly counter to the fear driven messaging many people receive. Cholesterol is a structural molecule, essential for hormones, brain function, and cell membranes. In aging bodies, having more of it available may be protective rather than dangerous.
Exceptionally Low Inflammation at 117
One of the most striking findings was Maria’s remarkably low level of systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is one of the strongest predictors of accelerated aging and disease. Even at 117, her inflammatory markers remained low, something rarely seen in centenarians, let alone supercentenarians. Low inflammation supports joint health, brain function, cardiovascular resilience, and immune balance. This internal environment likely played a major role in her extended lifespan.
A Gut That Aged Slowly
Maria’s gut microbiome also stood out. Researchers found a high presence of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, a genus that typically declines with age. These bacteria are associated with immune regulation, reduced inflammation, and improved metabolic signaling. Doctors noted that her daily yogurt consumption may have contributed to maintaining this microbial balance. A well supported gut helps regulate everything from nutrient absorption to immune response, reinforcing longevity from the inside out.
Strong Mitochondria, Strong Cells
Another key discovery was the exceptional health of her mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy and managing oxidative stress within cells. Maria’s mitochondria functioned efficiently, producing energy with less cellular damage over time. This meant her brain, heart, and muscles were better protected from age related decline. Strong mitochondrial health aligns closely with diets rich in bioavailable nutrients and stable energy sources.
Lifestyle Still Matters
Biology did not do all the work alone. Maria remained mentally engaged, socially connected, and physically active for most of her life. She avoided smoking and alcohol, walked regularly, enjoyed conversation, and kept her curiosity alive. Purpose, routine, and emotional stability supported her nervous system and immune function. Longevity is never just about food or numbers, it is about how the body and mind are supported together.
Closing
Maria Branyas Morera did not live to 117 by accident, and she did not do it by chasing modern health trends. Her life challenges the fear around cholesterol, highlights the importance of low inflammation, and reinforces the value of nutrient dense food, metabolic stability, and purposeful living. Stories like hers remind us that health is not about suppressing biology, but supporting it. Sometimes the best evidence is not found in a headline, but in a life fully lived.
References
- Branyas, Maria, et al. “Multiomics Analysis of Extreme Human Longevity.” medRxiv, 2024.
- Ravnskov, Uffe, et al. “Lack of an Association or an Inverse Association Between Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Mortality in the Elderly.” BMJ Open, vol. 6, no. 6, 2016.
- Zhong, Guo-Chong, et al. “Associations of Total Cholesterol with All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, vol. 68, no. 3, 2020.
- Franceschi, Claudio, et al. “Inflammaging and Anti-Inflammaging: A Systemic Perspective on Aging and Longevity.” Ageing Research Reviews, vol. 7, no. 4, 2008.
- Biagi, Elena, et al. “Gut Microbiota and Extreme Longevity.” Current Biology, vol. 26, no. 11, 2016.