World’s Oldest Person Dies Aged 116, Revealing Secrets to Her Longevity
The world has lost its oldest known person, Tomiko Itooka, who passed away at the remarkable age of 116. She had been holding the title of the world’s oldest person for the last few months after the passing of the previous record holder, Maria Branyas Morera, in August 2024. Itooka, who was born in May 1908, lived through almost the entire 20th century and well into the 21st, before her death on December 29, 2024, in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
Tomiko Itooka had been recognised last year as the world's oldest person (Gerontology Research Group)
In a statement released by the mayor of Ashiya, her passing was met with deep appreciation for the way she inspired others through her long life. The mayor expressed, “Ms. Itooka gave us great courage and hope throughout her long life. I would like to express my gratitude once again.”
A Life Full of Milestones
Tomiko Itooka lived a life filled with significant events, surviving through both the World Wars, economic shifts, and cultural changes. She had four children with her late husband, Kenji Itooka, who passed away in 1979 after 51 years of marriage. Despite her age, Tomiko remained remarkably active in her later years and had been recognized as an enthusiastic hiker in her youth, having climbed Mount Ontake twice.
She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren, continuing the family legacy into the next generation.
The Secret to Long Life: Bananas and Calpais
As with many supercentenarians, there is much fascination around the “secrets” to their longevity. Tomiko Itooka was no exception, and she attributed her long life to two key factors: eating bananas and drinking a Japanese dairy drink called Calpais. Whether it’s the nutrients in the bananas or the digestive benefits of Calpais, her advice has certainly piqued the interest of many.
In fact, her story echoes that of other long-lived people, such as Maria Branyas Morera, who also attributed her long life to eating a daily pot of yogurt. It’s clear that diet plays a significant role in the lives of some of the world’s oldest people.
Social Media Reactions:
- @HealthyLif3 on Twitter: “I’m all for the banana and Calpais diet after hearing Tomiko Itooka’s secret to living 116 years! Maybe it’s time to add more bananas to my shopping list. 🍌”
- @GrandmaLongLife on Instagram: “116 years of wisdom and adventure. Tomiko Itooka’s life is proof that a positive mindset and healthy habits can lead to a fulfilling long life. Rest in peace. 🙏”
- @LifespanExplorers on Facebook: “Bananas and Calpais—who knew?! It’s fascinating how different cultures have their own longevity secrets. Can’t wait to learn more about Inah Canabarro Lucas and her approach to life as the new oldest person.”
New Record Holder: Inah Canabarro Lucas
With Tomiko Itooka’s passing, the title of the world’s oldest person now goes to Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Itooka. As of now, she holds the distinction of being the longest-living person in the world, continuing a legacy of remarkable longevity.
Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas is now the oldest person in the world (Gerontology Research Group)
Read More: Meet Inah Canabarro Lucas – The World’s Oldest Person
Longevity Secrets: From Luck to Moderation
Whenever someone reaches the extraordinary age of 100 or more, the world inevitably becomes fascinated by the “secrets” to their longevity. Some attribute their long lives to their lifestyles, while others believe it’s purely luck. Tomiko’s predecessor, Maria Branyas Morera, had credited her long life to eating a daily pot of yogurt, while Tomiko’s secret was much simpler: bananas and Calpais.
Similarly, a former holder of the title of world’s oldest person, Emma Morano, swore by a diet of three eggs a day, with two of them raw, and that it was essential for maintaining her health into her 100s. This once again underscores the diverse factors behind living such long lives, from diet to sheer genetic luck.
Meanwhile, John Tinniswood, a British man who held the title of the world’s oldest man until his death in November of last year, emphasized moderation and pure luck in his longevity. He believed that sometimes life is just a matter of fate, saying, “You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”
Social Media Reactions:
- @LongevityResearch on Twitter: “Moderation and pure luck seem to be key themes in longevity. Some people live to be 100+ with no particular secret, just fate and a balanced lifestyle. 🍀 #Longevity”
- @HealthGuru27 on Instagram: “Does living long mean eating specific foods or just having a bit of luck? The discussions around longevity continue, and it’s fascinating! 🥚🍎 #HealthDebates”
The World’s Oldest Man: João Marinho Neto
The title of the world’s oldest man is currently held by 112-year-old Brazilian João Marinho Neto. He took over the title after John Tinniswood’s passing and continues to defy the odds with his remarkable age. João has maintained his health through a relatively modest lifestyle, also pointing to “luck” as an important factor in living so long.
Read More: Meet João Marinho Neto: The World’s Oldest Man
Reflections on Longevity
As we reflect on the lives of Tomiko Itooka, Maria Branyas Morera, João Marinho Neto, and others who have lived well past 100 years, we are reminded that the factors contributing to longevity are often complex and varied. While genetics likely play a part, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and emotional well-being seem to also have a significant influence on lifespan.
In the case of Tomiko, her love for hiking, close family bonds, and her specific diet of bananas and Calpais offer us just a glimpse into how she managed to live well into her 100s. Whether it’s the nutrients in her food or the family-centric lifestyle, her long life stands as a testament to resilience, good health practices, and possibly, a touch of good fortune.
Social Media Reactions:
- @LifeWellLived on Facebook: “It’s all about balance. Whether it’s the bananas, Calpais, or just good genes, Tomiko Itooka’s story is truly inspiring. Here’s to longevity! 🍌💪”
- @MindfulLiving on Instagram: “The secrets of longevity may be different for each person, but it’s clear that maintaining a healthy, happy life plays a big part. 🌿 #LongevityGoals”
The Fascination with Longevity Continues
The curiosity surrounding the secret to long life is likely to continue, especially as more and more people reach extreme old ages. People all over the world continue to be fascinated by those who manage to live well past 100 years, with an increasing number of supercentenarians providing us with intriguing clues about the possibilities of human longevity.
Learn More: Longevity: What Makes People Live Long Lives
Final Thoughts
Tomiko Itooka’s death marks the end of an era for the title of the world’s oldest person. Her longevity, paired with her unique daily habits, will continue to inspire many for generations to come. As the search for the secrets of longevity continues, one thing is clear: longevity is not only about genetics but also about the choices we make every day in terms of health, diet, and our mindset toward life.
As we celebrate her remarkable life, let us take inspiration from her positive attitude, her commitment to living well, and her dedication to family and community.
Featured Image Credit: Gerontology Research Group
