VERBANIA, ITALY―The oldest living person in the world, Emma Morano celebrated her 117th birthday on Tuesday, November 29.
Morano was born November 29, 1899 in Civiasco, Italy. She became the oldest living person in May 2016 after the death of Susannah Mushatt Jones at 116 years old.
A celebration was held for Morano in her Verbania apartment that was broadcast throughout parts of Italy. A greeting, read by an official, from the president of Italy was given to her, wishing Morano “serenity and good health.” A visit from the mayor was planned for later in the afternoon, according to reports.
Morano’s physician, Dr. Carlo Bava said the 117-year old is in great health.
“She is in a great state of health and mind,” Bava said. “The fact that she has never had much variety in her diet is proof that she is so well-preserved thanks to genetics.”
Morano credits a 90-year diet of raw eggs, minced meat and pasta as the source of her health. She claimed that leaving what she described as an “abusive relationship” in 1938, before divorce was legal, played a critical role in her life.
“He said, ‘If you’re lucky, you marry me, or I’ll kill you,'” Morano told La Stampa. “I didn’t want to be dominated by anyone.”
