The quest for a long and healthy life has fascinated humanity since the dawn of time. While life expectancy has significantly increased in recent decades, particularly in developed nations, the question remains: how can we extend our lives even further? The story of Emma Martina Luigia Morano, the world’s oldest person, offers intriguing insights into longevity.
### A Life Spanning Three Centuries
Emma Morano was born in November 1899 in Italy’s Piedmont region, the eldest of eight children. Her remarkable life spanned three centuries, during which she witnessed pivotal historical events, including two World Wars and the rise and fall of 90 Italian governments. When she passed away in 2017 at the age of 117 years and 132 days, she had outlived all her siblings, though one sister, Angela, lived to be 102. This suggests that genetics may have played a role in her extraordinary lifespan.
### A Woman of Strength and Independence
Emma’s life was not without hardship. After losing her first love to war, she was forced into an abusive marriage with Giovanni Martinuzzi, who threatened her life if she refused. Trapped in this relationship, she endured the tragic loss of her six-month-old son. Despite separating from her husband, she remained legally married until his death in 1978. Emma worked tirelessly until the age of 75 and never remarried, crediting her independence for her long life. As she once said, "I didn’t want to be dominated by anyone.”
### The Power of Diet
Emma also believed her unique diet contributed to her longevity. In her 20s, she was diagnosed with anemia, and her doctor prescribed a regimen of three eggs a day. She adhered to this diet for the rest of her life, consuming two raw eggs with biscuits each morning and one cooked egg later in the day. Interestingly, her diet included very few vegetables or fruits, according to her doctor, Carlo Bavaria, who cared for her during the final 27 years of her life.
### The Egg Debate
While modern doctors might hesitate to recommend three eggs a day due to concerns about cholesterol, Emma’s story challenges conventional wisdom. Eggs are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A, B5, B12, phosphorus, selenium, and folate. They are also a low-calorie source of high-quality protein and healthy fats. Although eggs contain cholesterol, research shows that dietary cholesterol doesn’t always translate to higher blood cholesterol levels. For Emma, eggs were a cornerstone of her health.
### Humanity’s Pursuit of Longevity
Emma’s extraordinary life reflects our enduring fascination with longevity. From scientific research to popular culture, the desire to extend human life is evident. Films like *Ad Vitam*, a French Netflix series, explore a future where living past 100 is the norm. However, such a reality comes with its own challenges, including societal issues like career retraining, generational conflicts, and overpopulation. While the idea of living longer is appealing, it raises complex questions about the balance between nature and technology.
Emma Morano’s life serves as a testament to resilience, independence, and the potential of simple habits like diet to influence longevity. While her story is unique, it offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to live a longer, healthier life.
