116-year-old Japanese woman Tomiko Itaka: secrets of longevity and a new Guinness record

116-year-old Japanese woman set a new record

Tomiko Ituka, a 116-year-old Japanese woman, is officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest person in the world. Born on May 23, 1908 in the city of Osaka, she witnessed numerous historical events and survived two world wars. But what is the secret of her longevity?

An active lifestyle is the key to health

Specialists at the home for the elderly in Ashiya City, where Tomiko currently lives, note that she is still in excellent health and able to communicate clearly despite her poor hearing. The record holder herself believes that the secret of her longevity lies in the active lifestyle she led in her youth.

Sports and physical activity

While studying at an all-girls high school, Tomiko became interested in volleyball. Later, this passion grew into a love for physical activity. During World War II, when her husband ran a textile factory, Tomiko actively helped him, and after her husband's death in 1979, she took up rock climbing.

Conquering peaks and pilgrimage trips

Tomiko has repeatedly climbed Mount Nijo and even conquered the 3, 000-meter Mount Ontake twice. Her activity has not diminished with age: at 80, she made a pilgrimage to 33 Buddhist temples along the Saigoku Kannon route, and at 100, she was able to climb the stone steps of a religious building without a stick.

Comparison with other long-lived people

Previously, the title of the oldest person in the world belonged to the Spaniard Maria Branias Morera, who died at the age of 117. Although Maria also had excellent health and even blogged on social media, she could not boast of the same physical activity as Tomiko Ituka.

Conclusion

Tomiko Ituka's story is an inspiration to many people around the world. Her example shows that an active lifestyle, self-discipline skills and a steadfast spirit can be the keys to longevity. Now that she has become the oldest person on the planet, her achievements are even more respected and admired.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk