World’s oldest person dies at 116

Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest person, has passed away. She was 116 years old.

An official announced on Saturday that Itooka died on December 29 at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, in central Japan.

Itooka, who loved bananas and a yogurt-flavored Japanese drink called Calpis, was born on May 23, 1908. She became the oldest person last year following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, according to the Gerontology Research Group.

In her older age, Itooka enjoyed bananas and a popular Japanese yoghurt-flavoured drink called Calpis, as per a statement by the mayor.

On her birthday last year, she was celebrated with flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor.

Itooka played volleyball during her school years and was known for her lively and energetic nature, Nagata shared. She even climbed Mount Ontake, which stands at 3,067 metres (10,062 feet), twice.

Itooka married at the age of 20 and had two daughters and two sons, according to Guinness. During World War II, she managed the office of her husband’s textile factory. After his passing in 1979, she lived independently in Nara.

She is survived by a son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service attended by family and friends has already been held, Nagata said.

Source: Agencies