Maria Esther de Capovilla, the woman considered to be the world’s oldest living person, died yesterday at the age of 116! Her family can document the date of her birth. She is survived by five children, about a dozen grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Wow!
This woman clearly had some important factors in her favor such as good genes and coming from a well-to-do family. But it seems to me there is more to the story than that. Maria may well have enjoyed the benefit of some other lifestyle choices as well that each of us has more control over.
She was in contact with a large family. I don’t have any information about whether or not she had friends but what seems to contribute to longer, healthier living is having a social network. Family is very important but friends can make a big difference as well. We need to be connected to others. Caring for and having a connection with animals also makes a difference.
The article I read notes that she ate three meals a day with family. She often ate lentils and chicken for lunch and she never smoked or drank. (I would like to learn more about her diet!) Maria was also fervently religious. I think the key here is having a belief in a power or being greater than oneself and finding meaning in life.
To read more:
World’s oldest person dies at 116 – Yahoo! News
Elizabeth Bolden, an American woman of Memphis, Tennessee, is now the oldest person alive according to Guinness World Records at age 116.
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