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.
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.
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.
