World's oldest person marks 118th birthday in Fukuoka

[rpannier]

Fukuoka – Kane Tanaka, the world’s oldest person who was born in the same year as the Wright brothers’ first powered flight, celebrated her 118th birthday in southwestern Japan on Saturday.

Tanaka, born on Jan. 2, 1903, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person in March 2019 at the age of 116. Those born in the same year include British novelist George Orwell.

She also set an all-time Japanese age record in September last year at 117 years and 261 days.

Currently living in a nursing home in Fukuoka, Tanaka celebrated her birthday with other residents. She was pleased and said, “Applaud everyone,” according to the facility.

She usually spends her time exercising, doing calculations and playing Reversi. She has a strong appetite and likes eating chocolate and drinking Coke, the nursing home said.

When asked about the secret to her longevity, Tanaka replied, “Eating delicious food and studying.” She said she is aiming to live to 120.

[Generic Brad]

1. It's like the title 'World's Oldest Person" is cursed

And no one ever wins back the title once they relinquish it.

[Kaleva]

6. All previous holders of the title have died.

[Generic Brad]

7. Ain't gonna be no rematch!

[jimlup]

2. may she live long and prosper!

The longer she lives the longer we all live. This is cutting edge.


Go Tane Tanaka!

[Polybius]

3. Wow, may she live another 5 years or more

Hopefully she becomes the world's oldest person ever "officially" recorded (122)!

[David__77]

4. I think of that woman sometimes, Jeanne Calment.

I think of this story, "A 120-Year Lease on Life Outlasts Apartment Heir": https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/29/world/a-120-year-lease-on-life-outlasts-apartment-heir.html

[triron]

5. Japanese tend to be very long-lived it seems.

My domestic partner is Japanese. She is phenomenal for her age.

[COLGATE4]

8. She doesn't look a day

over 117