119-year-old Brazilian woman claims to be the world's oldest person

(CLO) Only two months away from turning 120, Deolira Gliceria Pedro da Silva in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, is trying to be recognized by Guinness as the world's oldest person.

According to documents, Ms. Deolira was born on March 10, 1905, in the rural area of Porciuncula, Rio state. She now lives in Itaperuna in a brightly painted house with her two nieces, Doroteia Ferreira da Silva, 60, and Leida Ferreira da Silva, 64, who take care of her every day.

Ms. Deolira Gliceria Pedro da Silva. Screenshot

The title currently belongs to another Brazilian, Inah Canabarro Lucas, a nun from Rio Grande do Sul state who is 116 years old. However, Deolira's family and doctors believe she will soon take the title due to her exceptional longevity.

Guinness has not yet confirmed her application, as it needs to consider other cases around the world. Her family is working to prove the authenticity of the document. However, major floods nearly 20 years ago destroyed most of her original papers, making the recognition process difficult.

Mateus Vidigal, a researcher at the University of Sao Paulo, said that although Deolira's exact age had not been verified, she was certainly over 100. He also said that the lack of documentation could reduce the possibility of being verified by organizations such as Guinness.

Doctors and researchers are also monitoring her health to learn the secret to living far beyond the average Brazilian life expectancy, which is currently 76.4 years. According to geriatrician Juair de Abreu Pereira, Deolira is in good general health and does not take any medications.

Dr Pereira said a healthy diet and regular sleep were factors in her longevity. Ms Deolira still enjoys socializing with her family and eating bananas – her favourite food.

"We also have high blood pressure and diabetes, but she doesn't have any of those. I just wish I could live as long as she does," said her granddaughter, Doroteia.

Hoai Phuong (according to Reuters, Straits Times)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cu-ba-brazil-119-tuoi-tuyen-bo-minh-la-nguoi-gia-nhat-the-gioi-post330769.html