Maria Branyas, the world’s oldest person, died on Monday at the age of 117, Spanish media reported.
Branyas was born on March 4,1907 in San Francisco and moved to Spain as a young child in 1915. According to Spanish media, she held the title of the world’s oldest person from 17 January 2023, after French super elderly person Lucille Randon passed away at the age of 118.
A super elderly person is defined as someone who is 110 years old or older.
The Gerontology Research Group (GRG), which monitors the Guinness Book of World Records‘ list of oldest people, has confirmed that Branyas’ age and status are scientifically valid. According to GRG, in July, she became the 8th longest-living person in history.
There have been many historic events in Branyas’ life, including her surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. At the age of 113, she contracted and recovered from the virus in April 2020, becoming the oldest known survivor of the disease at that time.
The woman attributed her longevity to “order, peace of mind, good relationships with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity and avoiding toxic people.”
Prior to the global recognition, Branyas was recognised as the oldest resident of Spain as of 22 December 2019. The GRG and Guinness World Records are expected to announce the new holder of the title of “World’s Oldest Person” in the near future.
