116-year-old Japanese woman becomes the oldest person in the world: the secrets of her longevity

22 August 03:33

The Guinness Book of World Records has recognised 116-year-old Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka as the oldest person in the world after the death of 117-year-old Spanish woman Maria Branias Morera, Komersant ukrainskyi reports

Tomiko lives in a nursing home in Asiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

She has been living there since 2019, and previously lived at home with her two daughters until she was 110.

Three months ago, Tomiko celebrated her 116th birthday, receiving flowers and cake (which she admitted she doesn’t like), as well as a card from the mayor of the city.

Her caregivers said she continues to communicate clearly despite being hard of hearing and regularly expresses her gratitude to them.

What is known about the oldest person in the world

Tomiko at the age of 94

Tomiko was born and raised in Osaka as the second of three siblings. After primary school, she attended a girls’ high school where she played volleyball.

She got married at the age of 20 and had four children (two daughters and two sons), and now has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

During World War II, Tomiko managed the office of her husband’s textile factory.

After her husband’s death in 1979, she continued to live alone in Nara Prefecture, where she enjoyed climbing Mount Nijo.

She was also able to climb Mount Ontake, a 3,000-metre-high mountain, twice.

Age 100

What is the secret of her longevity?

Bananas are her favourite food. Every morning she drinks a Japanese non-alcoholic fermented milk drink called kalpis.

The woman’s family believes that the secret of her longevity lies in her physical activity, in particular, she has twice conquered Mount Ontake, a 3,000-metre-high mountain.

In her 80s, Tomiko made two pilgrimage trips to 33 Buddhist temples in the Kansai region, and even at the age of 100, she was able to climb the stone stairs of Asiya Temple without a cane.

According to her family, these long treks are the secret to her longevity.

Age 113
Дзвенислава Карплюк
Editor