- At an astonishing age of 117 years, the globe's oldest living male individual has succumbed.
As her twilight years drew close, Catalonian resident Maria Branyas, famously known as "Super Àvia," expressed her feelings to her family. "I'm feeling weak," she said on Monday. "My time is almost up." At the ripe age of 117, Guinness World Records' title holder for the oldest living person passed away peacefully in her sleep, devoid of any pain, in a senior living facility in Olot, Catalonia, just north of Barcelona.
Known for her zest and unwavering spirit, Branyas was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907. She survived not just her early years, but also two world wars, the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the Spanish flu (1918-1920), and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her final moments, she made it clear that she wished to be remembered as a joyful person, not one to be cried over or pitied. "Don't shed tears for me," she said. "I don't enjoy them. And do not, under any circumstance, feel sorry for me. Regardless of where I go, my heart will remain filled with happiness." Her family cherished her memories, wisdom, and kindness.
From the New World to the Old
Despite her birth in the United States, Branyas spent her formative years in Catalonia following her parents' return when she was eight years old. Her legacy lives on through her three children, eleven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Branyas' social media account boasted over 18,000 followers at the time of her passing, with Spanish media frequently featuring her stories and experiences. Catalonia's President, Pere Aragonès, visited her on her birthday to pay his respects, among other notable visitors.
Lived Fully, Loved Fully
In a touching tribute, Aragonès honored Branyas on social media as "a woman filled with energy, joy, and history." He concluded by expressing his gratitude for having met her. Aragonès' successor, Salvador Illa, described her as a "lovable woman who taught us the importance of life and the wisdom that comes with age."
In her later years, Branyas collaborated with researchers from the University of Barcelona, contributing her insights to a study on longevity. Her social media bio read, "I am old, very old, but not an idiot."
The New Title Holder
Following Branyas' passing, the Guinness World Records title for the oldest living person shifted to French nun Lucile Randon, 118 years old. However, the reign is expected to transition to 116-year-old Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka, who was born on May 23, 1908.
Despite these upcoming changes, Branyas will always hold a special place in history, falling just short of the record set by Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who lived to the ripe age of 122 years and 164 days. The longest-lived man ever recorded was Japanese man Jiroemon Kimura, who lived to be 116 years and 54 days old.
Branyas' social media posts often included mentions of her love for Guinness beer, sharing anecdotes about her enjoying a pint during her visits to Dublin.
Upon hearing of Branyas' passing, Guinness Ireland extended their condolences, expressing their admiration for the "Super Àvia" and her remarkable life.
