The world's eighth-oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, has peacefully passed away at the age of 117, her family announced on social media. Guinness World Records (GWR) confirmed her death, stating that she had achieved the remarkable age of 117 years and 168 days, making her one of the longest-lived individuals in recorded history.

Maria Branyas Morera spent the last two decades of her life in a nursing home in Catalonia, Spain, where she peacefully departed on Monday. Her family shared the news with a heartfelt message on her social media account, revealing that she had expressed her desire for a peaceful and pain-free journey in her sleep. Morera's family noted that she faced her end with a smile, feeling free and satisfied.

In January 2023, Maria Branyas Morera was officially recognized as the world's oldest living person by GWR following the passing of French nun Sister André at the age of 118. When interviewed by GWR, Morera attributed her long life to several factors, including order, tranquility, a strong connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, and a positive mindset. She firmly believed that longevity also came from a blend of good fortune and favorable genetics.

Born on March 4, 1907, just a few years after the Wright Brothers' pioneering flight and before the construction of the Titanic, Morera's life witnessed significant historical events such as the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Born to Spanish immigrants in the US, her family returned to Spain, eventually settling in Barcelona during World War I.

Throughout her advanced years, Maria Branyas Morera embraced technology, using social media platform X, with the assistance of her daughter, to connect with a vast number of followers. Her bio on the platform humorously stated, "I am old, very old, but not an idiot." She was considered one of the oldest individuals to recover from Covid-19, having tested positive for the virus in May 2020.

While Morera's legacy will undoubtedly live on, the title of the oldest living person now passes to a 116-year-old Japanese woman named Tomiko Itooka, according to the Gerontology Research Group. The record for the oldest person ever recorded still remains with Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived for an incredible 122 years and 164 days.

Maria Branyas Morera will be remembered for her resilient spirit, remarkable longevity, and unwavering positivity, inspiring generations to appreciate life's simple joys while staying connected with loved ones.