ROME – Italy’s Emma Morano, the world’s oldest living person, marked her 117th birthday on Tuesday.
Morano received a greeting from Italy’s president, read by an official, wishing her “serenity and good healthy,” and appeared for a brief live broadcast on state-run television.
She happily accepted some gifts, including her favorite cookies, which she ate with some milk.
Then, while sitting in an armchair in her one-room apartment in the northern town of Verbania, joined by her two elderly nieces, a pair of caregivers and her long-time physician, she blew out the candles on her cake – not one for every year, but three numerals to show her age, 117 — and quipped: “I hope I don’t have to cut it!”
Another party, including a visit from the mayor and another cake, was planned for the afternoon, after a nap.
Morano, who is believed to be the last surviving person in the world born in the 1800s, became the oldest living person in May.
Ms Emma Martina Luigia Morano of Vercelli, Italy was born 117 years year ago today, on 29 November 1899.
Raised in Vercelli – the oldest of eight siblings – Emma later moved to Verbania on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Italy where she remained for the majority of her life.
Morano credits her long life to her genetic makeup, “and nothing else.”
Ms Morano is five years younger than the Oldest person ever, Jeanne Louise Calment, who reached 122 years 164 days.
Italy is known for its centenarians – many of whom live on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia.
Source: Guinness World Records
