World’s oldest person lived until 117 ate the same thing every day for her entire life

If you want to live to over 100 you might want to read this

This is the story of how Emma Morano, the world’s oldest woman, reached the remarkable age of 117.

Emma, who was born on November 29, 1899, in Italy, lived until April 15, 2017, making her the last surviving individual born in the 19th century. As a supercentenarian, she also achieved the distinction of being the fourth-oldest European in history.

Due to progress in technology and medicine, the average lifespan of humans is increasing. Nevertheless, reaching the age of 117 years is exceptionally rare, with only 12 confirmed instances of individuals achieving this age.

How did she achieve this remarkable feat? It appears that this is a question Emma has been posed with numerous times, and anyone aspiring to become a supercentenarian would benefit from taking careful notes.

It appears that Emma adhered to a rather straightforward approach to longevity, which involved maintaining a strict diet and avoiding romantic relationships with men.

Emma overcame a lot in her long life. (OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images)

The long life of Emma Morano

Throughout her extensive life, she triumphed over numerous challenges, including a tumultuous marriage, the loss of her sole child, the instability of over 90 different Italian governments, and the devastation of two World Wars.

The former factory employee held the view that her choice to remain unmarried following her decision to part ways with her partner significantly contributed to her reaching such an advanced age in life.

Emma articulated that her marriage had seldom resembled a perfect union, as she had genuinely loved a man who perished in World War I and had little inclination to seek another partner.

She was not afforded the opportunity to express her opinion regarding the proposal of marriage when it was presented to her.

In a 2011 interview with La Stampa newspaper, the oldest person in the world recounted an incident in which a young man from her neighborhood approached her one day and candidly posed a question.

She stated that he was a local, someone from the vicinity of the lake. Although she had no desire to marry him, he compelled her to do so. They resided in the same courtyard, and on one occasion, he dispatched his mother to summon her.

“I went there and he said to me, ‘If it suits you, you can marry me, if not I’ll kill you’. I was 26 years old. I got married.”

The Italian was the last person born in the 1800s to die. (OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images)

In 1938, Emma ultimately decided to end her relationship with the unworthy man, a year following the tragic loss of her infant son, who had only lived for six months.

The Italian woman chose not to remarry, as she preferred to avoid being under anyone’s control.

Emma continued her professional endeavors until the age of 75 and expressed satisfaction with the life she had experienced, particularly noting that she was not reliant on any medication and remained quite active throughout her retirement years.

In spite of the turmoil that occurred during her lifetime, she consistently maintained a positive outlook on the future and adhered strictly to her daily diet, which she attributes to her excellent physical condition.

So, what did the world’s oldest person swear by eating everyday?

Eggs. Oh, and supping on a traditional Italian alcoholic beverage, grappa.

She disclosed that for over 90 years, she has consumed three eggs daily—two of which were raw—a practice she adopted following her diagnosis of anaemia after World War I.

Emma once boasted, “I consume three eggs daily, and to aid digestion, I prepare my own grappa. I infuse it in a jar with seven sage leaves, a handful of rue, and some grapes. I then enjoy it using a spoon.”

She acknowledged that her genetic background could play a role in her reaching the age of 117, noting that her mother lived to be 91 and several of her sisters celebrated their centenarian milestones.

The 117 put her longevity down to two things… and genetics. (OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images)

In the years preceding her death seven years ago, Emma had reduced her intake to merely two eggs daily along with a few biscuits; however, she was managing well, having recently engaged the services of a full-time caregiver just a couple of years prior.

Carlo Bava, her physician for almost thirty years, informed AFP that his prominent patient seldom consumed fruits or vegetables.

“When I met her, she ate three eggs per day, two raw in the morning and then an omelette at noon, and chicken at dinner,” he said.

They don’t say ‘you can’t teach your grandmother to suck eggs’ for nothing.

Featured Image Credit: OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty Image