Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, 2009 Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, warns that we are at a crossroads, and suggests that often the “secret” to living healthier, longer lives lies in the simplest of solutions.
In an interview with Vatican News on Monday, he made these observations, while highlighting major questions being raised when considering longevity.
Now, living long isn’t necessarily a sign of sanctity. Many saints died young! (Soon-to-be canonized Carlo Acutis died at fifteen.) But it is our duty to take care of “the temple of the Holy Spirit.”
The Nobel Laureate was in the Vatican to participate in the “Vatican Longevity Summit: Challenging the Clock of Time” of the Pontifical Academy for Life which took place Monday at the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome.
In this vein, did you happen to see that story the other day on research to do with the death of the “oldest” woman?
Her name was Maria Branyas (an American-born woman living in Spain), and though she was not the oldest on record (simply the oldest living at the time of her death), she lasted to be a whopping 117 years old. Researchers investigated numerous aspects of Branyas, including her genes, saliva, habits, tissues, and (excuse this) stool, among others.
Before we get to the findings, know this critical fact that secular accounts about her age and death glossed over: Maria Branyas was a deeply religious person. She was described by those close to her as having a strong Catholic faith.
No doubt that played a role in her life and routine.
She also avoided stress.
The findings: Maria had several unique genetic variations that may have helped her live longer. Examining her chromosomes, scientists identified various rare genetic variants, some of which were found on DSCAML1, a gene linked to brain health in aging, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive retention.
According to the study, Branyas ate the typical Catalan diet.
That’s rooted in the Mediterranean diet and features fresh, seasonal ingredients like fish, seafood, beef, and fruits, with unique dishes like escudella i carn d’olla (a hearty stew), pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), and fideuà (a noodle and seafood dish), which is similar to the Mediterranean diet (lots of olive oil). She ate three yogurts a day, which likely encouraged healthy gut bacteria to grow and could have contributed to her long life.
She had no indication of cancer, heart disease, or other mortal illnesses. She also never showed signs of dementia. Though she was born before telephones, she knew how to use a computer.
And others?
For this we go to the online forum called Quora, where we see posted (from a certified nurse named James Jekson):
“My Mom Made It to 100—Here’s What She Taught Me About Life, Health, and Staying Young at Heart
“I used to joke that my mother had a secret deal with time itself. While others her age slowed down, she kept going—strong, sharp, and full of life. And then, one day, we celebrated her 100th birthday. A century. One hundred years of laughter, resilience, and wisdom.
“I often wondered—what was her secret? Was it genetics? Luck? Or was she just built differently, like an old oak tree that refuses to bend to the storm?
“A Life Well Lived
“She grew up in an era without convenience foods, screens, or stress that never switched off. Her medicine? Whole foods, fresh air, and movement woven into daily life. She walked everywhere, ate meals made from scratch, and never once counted calories—yet somehow, she thrived.
“But her real secret? She never let age define her.
“I remember when she was 85, and I suggested she ‘take it easy.’ She looked at me, laughing, and said, ‘If I stop moving, I stop living. And I’m not done yet.’
“Lessons From 100 Years of Living
- Move Like Your Life Depends On It—Because It Does
She didn’t ‘exercise’ in the way we think of it today. But she walked. She gardened. She stretched. She stayed active not to live longer, but to live better. - Eat Real Food—Not Just to Fill Your Stomach, But to Nourish Your Soul
She never followed a diet, but she ate whole, healing foods—the kind that kept her body strong and her mind sharp. - Laugh, Love, and Let Go
Stress? She had plenty. But she never let it live rent-free in her mind. She forgave easily, found joy in the small things, and believed that worrying only borrowed trouble from tomorrow. - Never Stop Being Curious
At 95, she asked me how to use a smartphone. At 98, she read about ancient healing foods. She never stopped learning, never stopped growing.
“The Real Secret to Longevity
“Looking at her on her 100th birthday, surrounded by generations of love, I realized something: She didn’t just live long—she lived well.
“And maybe that’s the secret. Not chasing youth, but embracing life. Not fearing age, but filling each day with purpose.
“If you ever wonder how to live a life full of vitality, strength, and joy—take a page from my mother’s story. Nourish your body, move with intention, and never stop finding reasons to laugh.
“She made it to 100. And she made it count.
“Maybe we can too.”
