She Lived to 117—and Credited Yogurt With Helping Her Do It

Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to be 117 years and 168 days old, credited her extraordinary longevity to a calm life, good genetics—and a daily cup of yogurt.

Born in 1907 in San Francisco and later returning to Spain, Maria witnessed the world transform. From the Spanish Civil War to the COVID-19 pandemic, she lived through over a century of history. Despite the global chaos, she found peace in simplicity.

Yogurt was her “heavenly manna,” something she ate daily for over 20 years. She favored plain, natural yogurt—nothing fancy. For her, it was more than food; it was ritual, nourishment, and comfort. She even referenced ancient cultures and studies linking yogurt to long life.

Maria’s longevity wasn’t due to yogurt alone. She maintained strong family bonds, avoided toxic people, embraced nature, and lived with emotional balance. In 2022, she reflected: “Living this long takes some luck—and good habits.”

Her lifestyle aligns with what researchers call “Blue Zone” habits: clean diets, meaningful relationships, low stress, and fermented foods. Dan Buettner, who studied these regions, emphasized not just what people eat—but how they live.

Experts caution that yogurt alone doesn’t guarantee long life, pointing out survivorship bias. But for Maria, it was part of a bigger picture: living intentionally, joyfully, and simply.

Maria’s story reminds us that longevity isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about nurturing small, consistent habits that bring meaning and balance. Her message: find your own “heavenly manna”—and savor it daily.