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Brazilian woman aged 114 is world's oldest person

A 114-year-old Brazilian woman has been officially recognised as the oldest living person by Guinness World Records. Maria Gomes Valentim was born on July 9, 1896 Photo: AP By Robin Yapp, Sao Paulo

3:33PM BST 18 May 2011

Relatives of Maria Gomes Valentim said her secret of long life is looking after herself before others and a good diet including a bread roll, a cup of coffee and fruit for breakfast.

Guinness has verified that she was born on July 9, 1896, in Carangola in the state of Minas Gerais, where she has lived ever since.

Craig Glenday, editor in chief of Guinness World Records, said: "To receive a claim from a woman born during the reign of Queen Victoria - before the Ford Motor Company was formed, or before even George and Ira Gershwin, were born - is remarkable in itself, but for that woman to be Brazilian makes it extra special.

"Never has a successful claim for longevity emerged from Brazil - until now."

At 114 years and 313 days, Valentim is 48 days older than the former record holder, Besse Cooper from Monroe in the US state of Georgia.


"She says she has lived long because she has always taken care of her own life - and not the life of others," granddaughter Jane Ribeiro Moraes, 63, told a local newspaper.

Valentim still enjoys the odd glass of wine and loves chicken pastries with hot sauce and Brazil's national dish feijoada, a stew of beans and salted pork.

Her husband Joao died in 1946 after 33 years of marriage. They had one son, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

Valentim's family said that despite being wheelchair-bound and needing care she lives on Brazil's minimum pension of 545 reais (£208) per month but they hope her new status may lead to greater financial help.