Emma Martina Luigia Morano, born on November 29, 1899, in Italy, lived an extraordinary 117 years, becoming the world’s oldest woman before passing away in 2017. The eldest of eight siblings, she outlived them all, captivating the world with her remarkable longevity.
Her secret? Genetics and a unique diet. Diagnosed with anemia after World War I, Morano adopted a routine of eating three eggs daily—two raw in the morning and one cooked at lunch. In later years, she reduced it to two eggs and some biscuits. Remarkably, she consumed very little fruit or vegetables.
According to her longtime doctor, Carlo Bava, her meals typically included eggs, an omelet, and chicken, with occasional grappa—an Italian herbal liquor—mixed with sage, rue, and grapes.
Morano’s life was not without hardship. She endured an abusive marriage and the death of her only child. Pressured into marriage after losing a wartime sweetheart, she separated from her husband in 1938 but never divorced. He died in 1978, and she remained single thereafter, proudly declaring, “I didn’t want to be dominated by anyone.”
Her life spanned over 90 Italian governments and two World Wars. Despite the challenges, Morano retained her independence and resilience, believing those choices contributed to her long life.
Longevity also ran in her family—her mother lived to 91, and most of her siblings were centenarians. Emma Morano’s story remains a powerful reminder of endurance, personal strength, and the mystery of a long life.
