How to Live to 117: The Surprising Diet of One of the World’s Oldest People

What does it take to live past 100? Few people can answer this question better than Emma Morano, who lived to be 117 and became the last known person born in the 1800s. Her remarkable longevity was sh

What does it take to live past 100? Few people can answer this question better than Emma Morano, who lived to be 117 and became the last known person born in the 1800s. Her remarkable longevity was shaped by a mix of genetics, dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and personal philosophy. While researchers continue to study the factors behind exceptional lifespans, Morano’s story provides insight into the habits and decisions that may contribute to a long and healthy life. From her unique diet of raw eggs to her decision to live independently, her life exemplifies how a combination of nutrition, activity, and social connections can impact aging. Examining her experiences alongside the world’s oldest people offers a glimpse into the simple yet effective routines that help people defy time.

 

Emma Morano: The Woman Who Lived Through Three Centuries

Emma Morano in her home
Emma Morano, born on November 29, 1899, in Civiasco, Italy, lived through an era of rapid transformation, witnessing three centuries unfold. The eldest of eight children, she experienced both joy and hardship, including the devastating loss of her only child at six months old. In 1938, she made the unusual decision to leave an unhappy marriage and live alone, a choice she later credited as a key factor in her longevity. Morano worked in a jute factory until 1954, then as a cook, continuing until she retired at 75. She followed a strict daily routine, eating eggs and occasionally drinking homemade grappa, believing these habits sustained her health. By the time of her death on April 15, 2017, at 117 years and 137 days, she was the world’s oldest living person and the last known individual born in the 1800s. As one of the world’s oldest people, her story continues to inspire those seeking to understand the secrets of longevity.

Living Alone, Living Long: How Independence Shaped Her Longevity

Emma Morano believed living alone for most of her life significantly contributed to her longevity. After leaving her husband in 1938, she never remarried, choosing solitude over the stress of an unhappy relationship. This independence allowed her to maintain a stable routine well into old age. She managed her home, controlled her daily habits, and lived without external pressures that could harm her well-being. By avoiding unnecessary stress and maintaining autonomy, she focused on health-conscious choices, including a steady diet of raw eggs and minimal processed food. Like many of the world’s oldest people, she valued routine and self-sufficiency.

A Century-Old Secret: Emma Morano’s Raw Egg Diet

Egg Yolks in Bowl, 3 Fresh Chicken Egg Yolk Separated from Whites for Cooking Recipe, Three Organic Yolks in Wood Bowl

For nearly a century, Emma Morano followed a diet centered on raw eggs. A doctor prescribed this routine when she was a teenager to treat anemia, and she remained committed to it. She ate three eggs daily—two raw and one cooked—alongside biscuits or small portions of pasta. Later, she reduced her intake to two eggs per day but kept the habit. She ate little meat and avoided processed foods, preferring fresh ingredients. While experts debate raw egg consumption, Morano believed her diet played a key role in her long life. Her consistency, combined with a stress-free lifestyle, set her apart as one of the world’s oldest individuals. Many of the world’s oldest people also rely on simple, nutrient-rich diets to support their health.

Genes, Diet, or Attitude? What We Can Learn from Emma’s Life

Emma Morano receiving a kiss on her check from two woman
Emma Morano’s extraordinary lifespan likely resulted from a mix of genetics, diet, and mindset. Her mother and several siblings lived into their 90s, suggesting strong genetic influence. However, lifestyle choices also played a major role. She maintained a simple diet rich in protein and essential nutrients. She also avoided stress, valued independence, and preserved meaningful social connections. While no single factor guarantees longevity, Morano’s life suggests that a balanced approach to nutrition, emotional well-being, and personal autonomy supports a long and fulfilling life. The world’s oldest people often exhibit similar habits, balancing genetic factors with intentional lifestyle choices.

How the World’s Oldest People Defy Aging with Simple Habits

Group of smiling senior people dancing while enjoying activities in retirement home, copy space

Many of the world’s oldest people share common habits that promote longevity. They follow simple, balanced diets, favoring natural, unprocessed foods and moderate portions. Regular physical activity—walking, gardening, or household tasks—keeps them moving. Strong social ties reduce stress and provide purpose. Many approach life with calmness, avoiding unnecessary worry and focusing on daily routines that promote stability. While genetics play a role, their commitment to these habits helps them maintain health and defy aging. Like Morano, other of the world’s oldest people prioritize consistency in their daily lives to sustain long-term well-being.

Balancing Diet with Lifestyle: The Importance of Regular Exercise and Social Connections

Large group of happy enthusiastic elderly ladies exercising in a gym sitting in chairs doing stretching exercises with rubber bands

Longevity depends on more than diet—it also requires movement and social connections. Many long-lived individuals stay active through walking, gardening, or light exercise, which supports circulation and mobility. Equally important is staying socially engaged. Family, friends, and community involvement help reduce stress and combat loneliness. Emma Morano embodied this balance. Although she lived alone, she remained socially engaged with caregivers and friends. Her life shows that combining physical activity with social interaction plays a key role in long-term health and well-being. The world’s oldest people consistently find ways to stay active and connected, reinforcing the importance of a well-rounded lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Emma Morano blowing out birthday candles on her 117 birthday
Emma Morano’s life provides valuable insight into the habits that contribute to longevity. Her story, like those of other of the world’s oldest people, highlights the importance of a simple diet, an active lifestyle, and emotional resilience. While genetics play a role, the choices individuals make can significantly impact their well-being and lifespan. Studying the lives of the world’s oldest people helps us understand how small, consistent actions contribute to a long and fulfilling life.