Dr. Esteller stated that extreme longevity is the result of “a combination of what we inherit and what we do with what we inherit.” In other words, it is a balanced mix of genetics and a healthy lifestyle.
Beyond the scientific findings, María also left behind a powerful message. After surviving COVID-19 at the age of 113, she became the oldest person to recover from the disease and used the media attention to share a reflection with the world: “This pandemic has shown that older people are the forgotten ones in our society. They have fought all their lives; they did not deserve to leave this world in this way.”
Wisdom, Humor, and a Full Life
Her social media biography described her with humor: “Very old, but not an idiot.” She lived in Catalonia surrounded by her family—three children, eleven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren—and shared advice on how to achieve a long and fulfilling life. Among her key recommendations were emotional calm, positivity, staying connected to nature, and above all, keeping distance from toxic people.