World’s oldest person Maria Branyas Morera passes away at 117; Japan’s 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka now oldest

In a world that often seems to be moving faster and faster, Maria Branyas Morera was a quiet testament to the art of living slowly and meaningfully. Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, California, Maria’s life was a mosaic of history, resilience, and quiet wisdom. This week, the curtains finally closed on her remarkable life as she peacefully passed away in her sleep on August 19, at the age of 117, in Olot, Spain.

Maria’s story reads like a novel that spans more than a century. She survived two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and even COVID-19, just weeks after her 113th birthday. Yet, she never saw herself as a hero, once telling a Spanish newspaper, "I haven't done anything extraordinary; the only thing I did was live." And live she did, in the most extraordinary fashion.

Her final days were marked by a profound sense of peace and acceptance. In a poignant post translated by her family on X (formerly known as Twitter), Maria hinted at the close of her journey, saying, "One day I will leave here. I will not try coffee again, nor eat yogurt, nor pet my dog. I will also leave my memories, my reflections and I will cease to exist in this body. One day I don't know, but it's very close, this long journey will be over."
It’s no wonder that her passing leaves a void not only in her family but also among the countless people who admired her from afar. The nursing home where she spent her final 20 years described her as an "endearing woman" who taught them "the value of life and the wisdom of the years."

As the world mourns Maria, the title of the world’s oldest person now passes to Tomiko Itooka of Japan, who was born on May 23, 1908. At 116 years old, Tomiko carries the torch of longevity into the future, her life now under the curious eyes of a world fascinated by those who manage to stretch the human lifespan to its limits.

India’s living saint: Swami Sivananda

Closer to home, India has its own beacon of longevity in Swami Sivananda, who has claimed to be born on August 8, 1896, and is now 127 years old.

Swami Sivananda, who lives in Varanasi, has become a global symbol of health and spiritual well-being, drawing attention not only for his age but also for his incredible vitality. He has attributed his long life to a simple and disciplined lifestyle, which includes regular yoga, a strict vegetarian diet, and, perhaps most importantly, an unshakable inner peace.
As we reflect on the lives of these remarkable individuals, we are reminded that the true measure of a long life isn’t just the years accumulated, but the grace, wisdom, and humility with which those years are lived. Maria Branyas Morera may no longer be with us, but her legacy — much like that of Swami Sivananda — will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.