Brazil is set to celebrate the 124th birthday of Amantina dos Santos Duvirgem, known as Dona Julia, who may be the world’s oldest living person. State officials are planning a special party to honor this remarkable milestone.
Born on June 22, 1900, just six months before Queen Victoria’s death, her pension records confirm her age. Living in Serra Gaias, Parana, Dona Julia attributes her longevity to a diet of boiled eggs and Bolo de Polvilho, a traditional cassava cake, according to Daily Mail.
Helen Cristina Pereira, Dona Julia’s social worker, reports that the 124-year-old has no diabetes, headaches, or high blood pressure.
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“Dona Julia doesn’t take medicine and she doesn’t have grey hair. And she loves wearing earrings and bracelets,” she said.
Officials at Tibagi City Hall in Campos Gerais do Paraná are hosting a special party on June 27 to celebrate Dona Julia’s 124th birthday. Despite her age being recognized by the Brazilian government, a birth certificate mix-up has prevented her from being included in the Guinness World Records.
Her birth date has been confirmed by statements from four individuals over 70 who have known her for at least 20 years.
“Dona Julia is the oldest woman in the world, the only thing missing is recognition from official record channels,” said the city hall a year ago.
According to Brazilian news outlet Banda B, Dona Julia spent much of her life on the streets before being adopted at age 100 by Maria Ednir de Almeida. Her 123rd birthday was also celebrated with a grand party hosted by Paraná State officials, where she enjoyed cake at the Chapel of São Sebastião.
Currently, the Guinness World Record for the world’s oldest person is held by Maria Branyas Morera, who turned 117 on March 4. Morera, born in San Francisco in 1907, moved to Catalonia, Spain, and has spent the past 22 years in a nursing home there.
She has three children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Morera attributes her longevity to “order, tranquility,” and “staying away from toxic people.”
The oldest ever certified person was Jeanne Calment, who died in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days.
