In The News

Oldest person in the world passes away

Oldest person in the world passes away

A JAPANESE woman who was regarded as having been the oldest person in the world has passed away. She was 117.

Misao OKawa had celebrated her birthday on March 5 at her nursing home in Osaka, having lots of cake with her friends and relatives.

Born in 1898, she lived her life in Osaka where her family had owned a Kimono shop.

Misao Okawa, who had three children, once revealed what she believed was the secret of her long and happy life: “Eating delicious things is a key to my longevity”, she had said.

Satoshi Yoshioka, who works at the nursing home where OKawa died, confirmed her love of eating: “She was a person with mild character, and loved to eat. Her favourite food was sushi and udon noodles”.

Staff at the nursing home said they missed Okawa. She was survived by her four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Japan is home to more than 58,000 centenarians, which is more than any other country.

American woman Gertrude Weaver, who is 116, is now regarded as being the oldest person in the world.

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