Visiting the World’s Oldest Man on His 114th Birthday

10 October 2026, I had the joy and honor of being in Apuiarés, Ceará, to celebrate the 114th birthday of Mr. João Marinho Neto—the oldest living man in the world—during a truly special occasion marked by warmth, emotion, and gratitude.

More than just attending a birthday party, I had the opportunity to learn more about his life story, meet people who are part of his journey, and witness firsthand just how precious his life is to everyone privileged enough to know him. As a LongeviQuest researcher and representative for Brazil, experiencing this moment is something I will cherish deeply. Mr. João’s longevity inspires us, but being close to him and the people in his life allows us to understand that, behind an extraordinary story, there are bonds, memories, dedication, and a great deal of love.

Biography

João Marinho Neto was born in Maranguape, Ceará, Brazil on 5 October 1912, into a family of farmers. His parents were Antônio Júlio da Graça (1879) and Victoria da Virgem Mártyr (1882). During his childhood, his parents moved the family to a rural area of Apuiarés (at the time a district of Pentecoste). From the age of about four, João was already enjoying helping his father and his employee in the fields.

In 1944, João married Josefa Albano dos Santos (1920–1994), with whom he had five children: Antônio Arilo, José Almir (deceased), Fátima, Raimundo, and Vanda (deceased). His wife had inherited property at Fazenda Massapê, where João cultivated the land with corn and beans. He also raised cattle, goats, pigs, and chickens. Later in his life, João had three more children—Vinícius, Jarbas, and Conceição—with Antônia Rodrigues Moura. Through hard work, João built a financially stable life, accruing assets such as land and houses.

When asked about the secret to his longevity, he attributed it to being surrounded by good people, avoiding too much solitude, and having his children close to share love and connection. Longevity also ran in his family, as his younger sister, Mercê (1919–2022), lived to the age of 102.

Longevity

On 2 April 2024, following the passing of 114-year-old Juan Vicente Pérez Mora of Venezuela, he became the oldest (known) living man in Latin America, at the age of 111 years, 180 days.

On 25 November 2024, following the passing of 112-year-old John Tinniswood, he became the World’s Oldest Living Man, at the age of 112 years, 51 days.

He is currently the world’s 10th-oldest living person whose age has been fully validated by LongeviQuest. Recently, he exchanged birthday greetings with Australia’s Ken Weeks, the world’s second-oldest living man. The two men share the same birthday, exactly one year apart, and sent each other congratulatory messages. This marked the first documented occasion on which the world’s oldest and second-oldest living men had communicated with each other.

João Marinho Neto, with LongeviQuest representative, Iara Souza.

With the mayor of Apuiarés, Ana Rufino, and LongeviQuest representative, Iara Souza.

I feel immense joy and gratitude to God for making this special meeting possible. The hugs, the smiles, and every shared moment made this celebration truly unforgettable. Mr. João, may God continue to bless your life and light the way for all those who care for you with such affection!

My thanks to everyone who was part of this celebration and helped make this day so special. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. João’s family for their warm welcome, their trust, and for sharing such special moments with us. Learning more about his history through the people who love him made the experience even more meaningful. I also extend a very special thank you to the entire team at Lar São Sebastião, where Mr. João resides. It was moving to see the care, dedication, and respect with which he is treated every day. It is beautiful to see that, alongside the necessary care, he receives attention, affection, and love. My appreciation goes to every professional who contributes to his well-being and ensures he feels embraced and valued.

“The Day Ends Quietly”: Visiting Tsuru Yamamoto, 111, in Japan

On Saturday, September 26, LongeviQuest visited 111-year-old Tsuru Yamamoto (山本つる), the oldest resident of Tokyo’s Ota Ward, at her daughter’s home in Kanagawa, Japan. We brought flowers to celebrate her longevity during September’s month of honoring older adults and to hear about her daily life.

Tsuru follows a regular routine, attending a day service twice a week and receiving rehabilitation at home twice a week, along with visits from dental and nursing professionals. At home, she spends her time sitting in a chair and reading rather than napping. Her reading includes monthly magazines and the Kokin Wakashū, a classical anthology of Japanese poetry.

“I have forgotten so much about the past,” she told us early in our visit. “But each day of my life now feels truly precious to me. That is all.”

Although she said she felt a little embarrassed in front of the camera, Tsuru shared memories of her family and the pursuits she had enjoyed as we looked through family photographs and her artwork together.

The Hobby She Loved Most

Many of Tsuru’s haiga—paintings that combine pictures with haiku poetry—have been preserved in the home. While looking at her work, we asked whether haiga had been the hobby she had devoted herself to most.

“Yes…”

After a pause, she continued slowly and softly.

“I became so absorbed in it… and before I knew it… I’d come this far.”

She looked down slightly and smiled.

For Tsuru, calligraphy seemed to offer a way to express herself through her own handwriting. One of her works depicted the Seven Lucky Gods beneath the boldly written character for “treasure.” The strong lettering and softly painted figures felt like a warm expression of Tsuru herself.

Memories of Her Husband

Looking at a photograph of her husband, Tsuru modestly described him as “an ordinary person.” Yet she went on to speak of his sincerity, his kindness toward those around him, and his humanity. They had met through an introduction by a church pastor.

“I still think he was a wonderful person,” she said.

Her words conveyed a deep respect for him.

During our visit, Tsuru stood with the support of a walker and read aloud a haiku composed by her late husband, who had often been ill. She had written it out in her own hand:

生き延びて　今日の幸せ　十三夜

Having survived—
the happiness of today,
the thirteenth-night moon.

The “thirteenth-night moon” refers to Jūsanya, a traditional Japanese moon-viewing occasion on the thirteenth night of the ninth lunar month.

His poem, and her voice as she read it, conveyed his love for his family and the deep bond between them.

The Happiness of a Peaceful Day

Tsuru lived through the Great Kanto Earthquake and the war. Of the earthquake, she recalled above all how frightening it had been and how her family had done everything they could to protect her. During the war, she and her family evacuated to several places. Compared with her peaceful life today, those years now seem almost unreal to her.

“So many different things happen in a person’s life,” she reflected. “Times when everything is peaceful and uneventful are truly few.”

Later, we asked her, “What is happiness to you?”

“The day ends quietly. That kind of peaceful everyday life is truly precious to me.”

She also told us she hoped to live out her days in peace and calm, and that those peaceful times would continue for the rest of her life.

At the end of our visit, we shook hands and were surprised by the strength of her grip.

“Your hand is so warm,” she said. “It made me feel good.”

It was a warm moment for us, too.

“I truly feel happy with my life today,” she told us.

“The day ends quietly.” Listening to Tsuru, we felt how much a single day means to her at 111—living peacefully, savoring each day, and cherishing it as precious.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaEqnzr-nvc

https://longeviquest.com/2026/09/chitose-awata-113-happy-life/

“My Whole Life Has Been a Happy One”: Japan’s 113-Year-Old Chitose Awata (粟田千年)

Today, 15 September, Japan marks “Senior Citizens’ Day” (Rōjin no Hi), a day designated to deepen public understanding of older people and raise awareness of their welfare.

According to figures released by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the number of people aged 100 or older in Japan has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, reaching 107,677. Of these, 94,298 are women and 13,379 are men.

The day comes ahead of “Respect for the Aged Day” (Keirō no Hi) on 21 September, a national holiday dedicated to honouring older people for their contributions to society and celebrating their longevity.

Ahead of Respect for the Aged Day, LongeviQuest visited Chitose Awata (粟田千年), on 8 September to celebrate her longevity. She is the oldest living person in Yamaguchi Prefecture and one of Japan’s 10 oldest living people.

Mrs. Chitose Awata (粟田千年), 113, and LongeviQuest’s Yumi Yamamoto (山本優美) with a plaque recognising her as the oldest living person in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Awata, who lives at the Hiyoshidai care facility in Yamaguchi City, celebrated her 113th birthday on 20 August. She welcomed us with a gentle smile. Speaking quietly and slowly, she returned again and again to the values that have guided her throughout her 113 years of life.

The Way She Has Lived

“I think it all comes down to one thing: being majime (真面目).”

When asked about the secret to her longevity, Awata answered simply: living a majime life.

Born into a farming family in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Awata recalled that her parents were majime people as well. From childhood, she said, she had lived with the belief that she should never cut corners, but simply do what needed to be done.

At school, Awata served as class leader for many years. Yet she recalled, “I never liked acting as though I was better than others.”

She also studied not because anyone told her she had to, but because she naturally found herself interested in learning.

Mrs. Chitose Awata (粟田千年) receives a plaque from LongeviQuest recognising her as the oldest living person in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

As a member of a farming family, she worked hard in agriculture, and as a child she also practised kanpu masatsu, a traditional Japanese health practice that involves rubbing the body with a dry towel.

When asked what she had done to take care of her health, Awata once again spoke not of any particular habit, but of the way she had lived each day.

“I am a realist. I think what matters is living each day with a majime (真面目) attitude.”

Happiness, Shared with Everyone

Yet as Awata-san looked back over her 113 years, there was another word she returned to just as often as majime (真面目).

Happiness.

“I’ve never felt that my life was miserable. I’ve always enjoyed myself. People used to say, ‘Awata-san, you’re always smiling.’ I have always considered myself happy.”

Mrs. Chitose Awata (粟田千年) smiles at a member of the care facility staff during LongeviQuest’s visit.

And of her life as a whole, she said:

“I think I have been happy. My whole life has been a happy one. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

But for Awata-san, that happiness is not something to keep to herself.

When we told her that, even at 113, she continues to give strength and inspiration to many people around the world, she laughed warmly before saying:

“When something is good, I want to share it with everyone. Being happy all by yourself isn’t what happiness is about. What matters is for everyone to be happy.”

Mrs. Chitose Awata (粟田千年), 113, with her daughter, Mrs. Nobuko Kondo (近藤伸子), and LongeviQuest’s Yumi Yamamoto (山本優美).

A little later, she returned to the thought once more.

“It’s no good for only yourself to be happy. I want to live in a way that helps everyone be happy. It’s not easy to do, though.”

Mrs. Chitose Awata (粟田千年), 113, with her daughter, Mrs. Nobuko Kondo (近藤伸子), and LongeviQuest’s Yumi Yamamoto (山本優美).

The name Chitose (千年) was given to her by her father 113 years ago. During our visit, when we showed her her name written in Japanese, she reflected on the name her father had chosen for her.

“It’s a good name,” she said.

“I don’t know exactly what my parents meant when they chose it, but I think my way of thinking and my name suit each other very well.”

At 113, Chitose Awata (粟田千年) looks back on her life and says simply, “My whole life has been a happy one.”

As it was time for us to say goodbye, we told her, “Let’s celebrate together again next year.”

“Yes,” she replied, before adding:

“Yes, let’s all do our best! (はい、みんながんばりましょうね！)”

Afterwards, I shook hands with Awata-san. Her handshake was strong, and it gave me energy too.

LongeviQuest Visits Eulalia Bravo Bravo, 113, Mexico’s Oldest Resident

On 25 July, LongeviQuest researcher Edder Aguilar González had the honor of visiting Eulalia Bravo Bravo, the oldest known living person in Mexico, at her home in Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo. At 113 years and 163 days of age, she is the fourth-oldest documented person ever known to have lived in Mexico.

When Edder Aguilar González arrived at her home, he was warmly welcomed by Eulalia’s three daughters and her caregiver. Eulalia was asleep in her chair in the living room when her family gently whispered in her ear that she had a visitor. She awoke delighted and was overjoyed to learn that someone had traveled all the way from Xalapa, Veracruz, to visit her. Despite her age, she remains mentally alert and aware of her surroundings. She says she loves her flowers and is still able to walk with assistance.

She fondly recalled her childhood, explaining that she had worked since she was very young. Born on on 12 February 1913, she was already managing a grocery store by the age of 14. She also shared that she always tried to help others whenever she could. With a smile, she expressed her wish to continue living for many more years and to remain the oldest person in Mexico.

During the visit, Edder presented her with several gifts he had brought from Veracruz, including chocolate bars shaped like the historic locomotive built in Xalapa in 1860. He also congratulated her on her remarkable longevity and extraordinary life. Her family mentioned that she especially enjoys drinking hot chocolate and loves Coca-Cola. She has a sweet tooth and loves anything sugary, yet she is neither diabetic nor hypertensive. They added that they are extremely proud of her.

Eulalia greatly enjoys receiving visitors and spending time with them. At the end of the visit, she gave Edder her blessing and told him she would be waiting for him to celebrate her 114th birthday. She uses an oxygen concentrator as a result of lung damage caused by COVID-19, but she does not take any medication for the condition.

LongeviQuest extends its sincere gratitude to the family of Eulalia Bravo Bravo for warmly welcoming our researcher into their home and making this visit possible.

Visiting the World’s Oldest Living Sibling Trio (316 Years Combined)

On 29 May 2026, LongeviQuest researcher Iara Souza had the opportunity to visit the world’s oldest living sibling trio, whose combined age is an extraordinary 316 years.

The story of Levita de Deus Nunes (109), Zoraide de Deus Mota (104), and Zulina de Deus Nunes (103), residents of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is, above all, a testament to the enduring bond of sisterhood and the love that continues to flourish across generations.

Levita de Deus Nunes

Levita de Deus Nunes was born on 7 June 1917, and has turned 109 since the visit took place. The second eldest of eight siblings, it was Levita who managed the home, organized the household routine, and cared for the family while her parents worked in the fields. Around 1953, she moved to Rio de Janeiro to support Zulina during the difficult process of adapting to the new city.

Although she never married nor had children, Levita devoted her entire life to her family. She inherited from her mother a talent for handmade crafts and transformed crochet, knitting, and sewing into activities that combined livelihood, leisure, and personal expression. Later in life, she joined Rede Globo Television, where she worked for 12 years.

Levita told Iara Souza about her lifelong love of embroidery, a craft she began learning at the age of seven. She especially enjoyed cross-stitching and spoke fondly of the talent that had accompanied her throughout her life. When asked about her favorite foods today, Levita mentioned sorubim and lau-lau catfish.

Zoraide de Deus Mota

Zoraide de Deus Mota was born on 24 November 1921. She graduated as a primary school teacher from the Escola Normal de Aracaju and began her professional journey in São Cristóvão, Sergipe.

In 1944, she moved to Rio de Janeiro in search of new opportunities. In Rio de Janeiro, Zoraide enrolled at the prestigious Anna Nery School of Nursing, where she studied as a resident student and completed her nursing education. Over the years, she built a respected and solid career, working in several hospitals until her retirement. On 6 February 1950, she married Enéas Alves da Mota, with whom she had five children.

Visiting 111-Year-Old Regina Ramos Pauner of Spain

Dr. Manuel de la Peña, MD, PhD—President of the Instituto Europeo de la Salud y del Bienestar Social and a member of LongeviQuest—recently visited 111-year-old Regina Ramos Pauner, one of the oldest living people in Spain.

Regina Ramos Pauner was born in Getafe, in the Community of Madrid, on 23 August 1914. She spent most of her life as a housewife. Widowed at the age of 62, she has four children. Her sister, Matilde, passed away a few months ago at the age of 106.

Dr. de la Peña reports that she has preserved a remarkably sharp mind, with impressive mental agility and an exceptionally positive attitude. According to him, the secret to her longevity lies in staying very active, maintaining a rich spiritual life, and having strong faith. As part of his clinical assessment, he also measured her blood pressure and heart rate.

In her most recent evaluation, Regina Ramos presented optimal blood pressure readings (130/70 mmHg) and a heart rate of 67 beats per minute. She also demonstrated good therapeutic adherence by taking a single antihypertensive medication daily. Notably, she underwent cataract surgery at the age of 92 and hip surgery at 101—procedures that, Dr. De la Peña emphasizes, show that chronological age does not constitute a limitation for surgery or recovery, provided there is a good general state of health and appropriate medical follow-up.

She is currently the fourth-oldest known living person in Spain and the oldest living person in the Community of Madrid.

Visiting Izabel Rosa Pereira, 114, Brazil’s Oldest Living Person

On 16 August, LongeviQuest’s Brazil researcher, Iara Souza, traveled to Caputira, Minas Gerais, to meet the nation’s oldest living resident, 114-year-old Izabel Rosa Pereira.

Born on 13 October 1910, Dona Izabel was 114 years and 307 days old at the time of the visit. She has been recognized as the oldest living person in Brazil and South America since 30 April 2025, following the passing of 116-year-old Inah Canabarro Lucas. Currently, she is the fourth-oldest living person in the world.

Upon arriving in Caputira, our researcher, Iara Souza, first met with the mayor, Edgar Araújo, and later traveled to visit the nation’s oldest living person in a rural zone of Caputira.

Dona Izabel welcomed her warmly. She currently suffers from visual impairment due to cataracts and, because of her advanced age, cannot undergo surgery. She also has some difficulty hearing. Even so, she remains active, lucid, and surrounded by the affection of her numerous family members, who revere her as a true symbol of resilience, faith, and longevity.

Interview

She was eager to share her life story. She spoke about her years on the farm, where she cultivated crops and raised chickens, and about meeting her husband, Antônio José Pereira, a widower at the time. Together, they raised a large family: his three children from the first marriage, whom she adopted as her own, and twelve children they later had together.

Dona Izabel expressed her joy in recounting her memories. She was curious to know how the visitors had heard of her and was moved to learn that she is recognized as the oldest living person in Brazil. She also shared her enduring faith and devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida, whose presence has been a guiding force throughout her life.

One detail about Dona Izabel is her lively and joyful way of speaking. When presented with flowers, she smiled and said she loves them—especially roses, which she used to grow in her youth. During the snack, she noted that one of her granddaughters—among her many grandchildren—had baked the tapioca starch biscuits served that day.

The visit also highlighted the devotion and care of her family. Present were three of her children and three granddaughters—one of whom is bedridden—all gathered on the lively family farm. There, they continue to grow coffee and beans and raise pigs and chickens, preserving the simple, authentic way of life that has defined Dona Izabel’s journey.

Health and habits

She recalled her most recent doctor’s visit, describing the tests she had undergone and noting that she now takes only medication for hypertension. According to her family, her appetite remains strong: Dona Izabel eats everything and continues to enjoy her home’s traditional cuisine, often prepared with pork fat—an ingredient that enriches the flavor and reflects ancestral practices long preserved in the family. Until recently, she herself carried on the custom of slaughtering pigs and dividing the meat among relatives, a tradition inherited from her grandfather and later continued by her son, Sebastião, always under her watchful guidance.

In a gesture of affection, the current mayor shared his own memories, recalling how Dona Izabel, when preparing pork, would always set aside a portion especially for him—an act that reflected both her generosity and her close ties to the community.

During the interview, Iara Souza presented her with a small gift—a mandala of Our Lady of Aparecida. She was also honored with a custom-designed LongeviQuest trophy, created by Iara Souza and Gabriel Ainsworth, in recognition of her status as the oldest living person in Brazil.

Two Supercentenarians Under One Roof

Fewer than 400 people alive today have verifiably reached age 110. Incredibly, two of them share the same address.

Gwen Hutchinson and Veronica Pheney, both 110, ended up neighbors after spending their first century on Earth in very different places.

Their First Century

Ms. Gwen spent her first four decades in Jamaica. To this day, she proudly keeps photos of Queen Elizabeth II, whose domain included Jamaica and whose 1953 visit Ms. Gwen fondly remembers. In the mid-1960s, a nursing shortage in the United States led her to immigrate.

She studied at Mount Sinai Hospital in Brooklyn, New York and spent her career there as a psychiatric nurse. She recalls her career with great pride, and her caregiving team refers to her lovingly as “Nurse Gwen” or sometimes simply, “Nurse.”

Veronica Pheney (nee Ryan) is two months younger than her neighbor Nurse Gwen. Originally from Illinois, she served as an accountant for the U.S. Army Air Corps, later the Air Force. She was posted around the world and kept detailed journals and photos from her travels. Notably, she was stationed in Japan in the late 1940s and witnessed the start of the country’s modernization.

In retirement, Ms. Veronica’s travels took on religious significance, including a papal audience and pilgrimages. She was often joined by her sisters, two of whom also lived past age 100.

After living independently for their first 100+ years, Ms. Gwen and Ms. Veronica eventually needed some assistance. Neither supercentenarian had children, and both gradually outlived their close family members.

Neighbors at 110

The town of Lehigh Acres lies in Florida’s agricultural interior, a couple hours from both the theme parks of Orlando and the skyscrapers of Miami. It is this quiet part of Florida that these two remarkable women now call home.

Ms. Gwen and Ms. Veronica have been residents of Lehigh Acres Assisted Living for 8 and 5 years, respectively. Even the most active and healthy 110-year-old needs some support. For Ms. Gwen and Ms. Veronica, having outlived all close relatives could be a potential risk factor. Thankfully, they are treated like beloved grandmothers by their caregiving team, led by Amanda Flores.

Ms. Flores holds the title of Director of Celebrations at Lehigh Acres Assisted Living. Her title reflects the great lengths she and her colleagues go to provide their residents with a joyful, fun atmosphere. But her actual responsibilities go far beyond parties: she has become the surrogate granddaughter to her “two special ladies.”

On a summer day last week, we found Ms. Gwen and Ms. Veronica sitting on either side of Ms. Flores beside a table. Sprawled across the table were photo albums both women have kept full of memories and mementos from their 110-year lives.

“This is from college,” says Ms. Gwen, pointing to a photo of her and her classmates from nursing school. “I was a nurse,” she beams, picking up another album one-handed with a strong grip. Viewing photos of Ms. Gwen from the 1960s, it’s striking how little her appearance has changed in six decades.

Turning the page, she holds up the full article from a local newspaper in nearby LaBelle, Florida covering her 100^th birthday a decade ago.

To her right, Ms. Veronica looks at a photo and wearily admits, “I can’t see as well as I used to.” It is then that Ms. Flores springs into action, holding the album at Ms. Veronica’s preferred height and distance to help her make out the photos just enough to trigger some memories.

“And this was when you saw the Pope, right?” guides Ms. Flores, holding open a page of photos Ms. Veronica took in St. Peter’s Square in the 1980s. Each photo is captioned in her formal handwriting, one reading “The Pope in his ‘Pope Mobile.’”

“Oh, yes!” Ms. Veronica happily responds. “The Saint,” she corrects, referring to John Paul II’s canonization since then. Ms. Flores continues to navigate the mountain of albums, familiar enough with them to quickly find the corresponding photos as Ms. Veronica remembers different trips she’s taken.

Aside from their shared birth year (1915) and shared address, Ms. Gwen and Ms. Veronica don’t have too much in common. Ms. Gwen is a social butterfly who attends services of all denominations since it allows her to get outside and spend time with her neighbors. Ms. Veronica mostly keeps to herself, though she gets active at night, wheeling around the building in her chair using her feet to power herself.

Even still, the two dine together for every meal. Their table occupies the center of the dining room, and they are clearly treated as the grand dames of their community.

Ms. Flores acknowledges the special relationship she and her colleagues have with Ms. Gwen and Ms. Veronica. “They’re like my grandmothers,” she says, gripping their hands. It seems the warm feeling is mutual.

“I guess I’m old enough to be your mother,” says Ms. Veronica, 110, to Ms. Flores, 39.

It is perhaps the most endearing understatement ever.

Meeting Ethel Caterham: The World’s Oldest Living Person at 116

In the quintessential, charming village of Lightwater in Surrey lives a very special person, Ethel Caterham, a person who never set out to be the World’s Oldest Person, nor the oldest ever British person. She, as she has done all her life, just takes it one day at a time, saying there is indeed no secret, and agreeing with my theory that she was “dealt a good hand, then played her cards right”.

Arrival

Upon my arrival, I was warmly welcomed at the beautiful care home by manager, Inderpreet Hanzra, who offered me coffee and a delicious cake in the cafe. Soon after, I was met by Ethel’s granddaughter Kate, who took me to meet her very special grandmother, whom the family affectionately call “Ganga”.

I was introduced to Ethel, who was sitting regally in her favorite place, her very own patio aptly named “Ethel’s patio” directly outside her room. Taking my hand she said “Ah yes, Ben, thank you for coming”. I gave Ethel a gift of flowers, roses and lilys, which I came to learn are her favourite. Ethel smelt them and asked “Have you brought me roses? I love roses”. I then asked if she had a good birthday, to which she smiled and politely said “Yes, thank you”.

Ethel was amazed that I had traveled all the way from Yorkshire to see her. Upon learning I was from LongeviQuest, she and her granddaughter thanked me for the trophies, which she has proudly displayed on the sideboard in her room, as well as the flowers sent for her birthday.

Her Longevity, Records, and Memories

We spoke about Ethel being the first British person to reach the age of 116. She said there was no particular secret and agreed with my theory that she had been “dealt a good hand, then played her cards right.” Ethel shared that she had always been active, enjoying gardening and walking her three dogs. Her granddaughter added that Ethel even used to walk her dog for her and could always be recognized from afar—walking briskly with her hands clasped behind her back, rain or shine.

Ethel spoke about her family, noting that longevity runs in their genes. Her sister Gladys lived to 104, and her other sisters lived into their 90s. Sadly, another sister, Norah, passed away in her 50s.

Ethel, never failing to impress, demonstrated her sharp memory, which stretches all the way back to World War I. She recalled growing up in the village of Shipton Bellinger—“a long name for a village,” as she put it—where hundreds of tents were set up for the American and Canadian soldiers who had come over. She then sang a spirited rendition of the WWI-era song “Keep the Home Fires Burning, Till the Boys Come Home,” explaining that’s exactly what they did: kept everything going at home until the boys returned. Sadly, one of her brothers, Norman, never made it back. He was killed in France in 1915 at just 19 years old.

Her Advice

Ethel then proceeded to offer some advice: “When you retire (which prompted a joke between myself and her great-grandson that there’ll likely be no such thing as retirement for us) you must have a hobby! Must keep active!”.

She added: “I took up bridge! It’s a very nice game, but it’s hard. You’re always learning which is good for your mind. I made a lot of friends playing bridge, one still comes to visit me”. Ethel fondly remembered one occasion where she was in the middle of a game of bridge hosted at her house, when her cat suddenly jumped on to the table, knocking all the cards to the floor!

Ethel’s granddaughter told me her grandma didn’t learn to drive until her grandfather died in 1976, by which time she was in her 60s. This gave her independence and a new lease of life, to go where she wanted and see her friends. Ethel, beaming, starting to laugh, said: “What about the blow up man?” Her granddaughter replied: “Oh, not the blow up man! Tell Ben about it Ganga”.

Ethel, with a smile on her face, then began the story: “Well, we would play bridge until 10 o’clock at night, if not later. When we came out in the dark I was the only one driving alone, so my friend said to me, Ethel aren’t you afraid of driving on your own? I said no! Come and see this, look what I’ve got. So I opened the boot of my car and inside I had a blow up man!” Much laughter from Ethel and everyone, myself included sensing the punchline to come.

Ethel composing herself slightly, continued: “Well my friend said what on earth have you got that for? So I said watch! I blew up the man, then put him in the passenger seat, stuck a hat on him, and then I had a man in the car with me!” Ethel’s infectious laugh encouraged more laughter from her very captivated audience. Ethel then said, “It was just like in Only Fools and Horses (a British TV sitcom from the 80s). You know, the episode when the blow up dolls explode! Have you seen it!” Actually I have, so I knew exactly what comparison she was making.

“Ethel’s garden”

After our chat, Ethel proudly showed me the beautiful garden opposite her room, which had been redesigned by the care home especially for her 115th birthday and named “Ethel’s Garden.” She then showed me all her birthday cards, including a very special one from King Charles—the first royal card ever sent in the UK for a 116th birthday. He had also written her a personal letter. After this, Ethel took my hand and warmly thanked me for coming to visit her.

To conclude my visit, I spoke with Inder, the ever-friendly manager, and was given a tour of the beautiful home by Lorraine, the lovely customer relations representative. The tour even included an amazing cinema room complete with a popcorn machine! I quickly decided that I’m moving in and have already put my name down for a room.

The tour ended back at the café, where I spotted Ethel enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of Victoria sponge. I went over to say goodbye, and she took my hand in hers, saying, “Ah, Ben, thank you for coming all the way from Yorkshire to visit me.” Her granddaughter smiled and added, “See you next year,”—an invitation I will gladly and eagerly accept.

The Smiling Wisdom of Mrs. Tome Mizogami: 110 Years, Three Principles for a Long Life

We visited Mrs. Tome Mizogami, a beloved supercentenarian in Kitakyushu who lives as a shining example of longevity, to learn about her life journey and the principles she lives by at age 110.

Tome Mizogami, born 25 October 1914, lives in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. At 110 years old, she continues to inspire those around her with her gentle demeanor, lively spirit, and thoughtful presence. As seen from the watch she still wears on her wrist, Mrs. Mizogami remains clearly mindful of time. She independently plans how to spend her free time each day, enjoying a fulfilling routine that includes folding mealtime aprons for other residents at her care home, writing letters to friends and family, and crafting small paper trash boxes from newspaper flyers.

During our visit on 5 April 2025, Mrs. Mizogami welcomed us wearing a handmade top of her own creation, with her makeup neatly done. At 110, her elegance and sense of independence remain deeply impressive. When asked about the secret to her health and longevity, she shared her personal “Three Principles for a Long Life”:

• Avoid quarrels or confrontations with others

• Forget today’s troubles by tomorrow

• Stop eating when you’re about 80% full

At our request, Mrs. Mizogami graciously wrote out her Three Principles for Longevity, carefully forming each word. Her quiet determination and steady hand reflected the same discipline and grace that have carried her through over a century of life.

A Life Remembered with Precision

Mrs. Mizogami was born in the village of Tashiro, Kagoshima, as the youngest of nine siblings in a sake-brewing family. Her given name, “Tome,” means “to stop” in Japanese and was traditionally used to indicate the last child in the family. Although several of her siblings passed away young, Mrs. Mizogami and her two sisters all lived past 100, and in 2000, nearly 100 relatives and friends gathered in their hometown to celebrate the long lives of the three sisters.

After losing her mother at the age of nine, Tome was raised by her grandmother and cared for by her older siblings. She later shared that, after becoming a mother herself, she vowed to live a long life so that her children would never experience the same loneliness she had felt.

She graduated from the higher division of a rural elementary school and, driven by a strong desire to continue her studies, moved to Osaka to pursue her education at Japan’s first night school for girls. She worked in a textile factory during the day and studied at night.

At age 23, she traveled to Taiwan after receiving a telegram that her brother, stationed there, had become critically ill. In reality, her brother had arranged for her to meet a sailor from Nippon Yusen (Japan Mail Shipping Line), who would later become her husband. Shortly after their marriage, the Second Sino-Japanese War began. She gave birth to three children while living in Taiwan, though tragically, two of them passed away during infancy.

Following the war, in 1946, she and her surviving daughter were repatriated to Japan aboard an American Liberty ship, arriving at Tanabe Port in Wakayama. After a series of moves, the couple settled in Kitakyushu. After the war, she had two more sons. During the difficult postwar years, Mrs. Mizogami spent a period working night shifts at a seafood processing plant to support her family. After raising her children, she went on to run a fish shop.

During our visit, Mrs. Mizogami shared these life events in striking detail—calmly and entirely in her own words. Her vivid recollection of names, places, and the flow of time—from prewar Japan to postwar repatriation—left a deep impression on us. It is rare for a supercentenarian to offer such a clear and firsthand narrative, and her account stands as both a personal testimony and a living record of history.

Living with Purpose, Every Day

Mrs. Mizogami lived independently until the age of 109. Even in her 100s, she continued making clothes by hand. She loved cooking for herself, often preparing tempura, simmered vegetables, and other home-style dishes—and she was known for generously sharing them with her neighbors.

At 95, she replaced her old sewing machine with a new one and continued making clothes, as well as enjoying embroidery and patchwork as hobbies, until the age of 109. She climbed local hills with friends, jumped rope into her 70s, and remained physically active for as long as she could.

Her daily life was also anchored by her deep spiritual practice. She visited Mount Kōya three times in her younger days—a sacred center of Japanese Buddhism founded by the monk Kūkai (Kōbō-Daishi) and the heart of the Shingon sect. There, she prayed for long life and memorized the Heart Sutra (般若心経), which she continued to recite every morning at her home altar. As part of this gentle morning ritual, she offered five to six cups of water each day—dedicated to Kōbō-Daishi and her ancestors—a quiet habit she maintained until the age of 109.

Mrs. Mizogami lived independently with support from her grandniece—the granddaughter of one of her older sisters. When she could no longer take part in community clean-ups, she served tea to local residents instead, remaining a beloved presence in the neighborhood.

A Small Gift from the Heart

As a small gesture of gratitude on behalf of LongeviQuest Japan, we brought two modest gifts during our visit:

• A plaque recognizing Mrs. Mizogami as the oldest living person in Kitakyushu

• A Hello Kitty cushion we thoughtfully chose to support her recovery and bring comfort—knowing her fondness for cute characters and hoping it would bring a smile

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  “How cute!” she said with a delighted smile, leaning back gently against the cushion that had been placed behind her.

   

  Resilience and Renewal at 110

  At the age of 103, she experienced a major health crisis due to gastrointestinal bleeding and was hospitalized for three months. Her family was told by doctors to prepare for the worst, but she defied the odds and made a remarkable recovery, eventually returning to her normal daily life.

  At 109, she fell near a vegetable field and fractured her tailbone. After regaining her ability to walk, she moved into the nursing home she had already been attending as a day-service user, seeking a safer and more comfortable environment.

  In December 2024, during a mochi-pounding event at her care home, Mrs. Mizogami—then 110 years old—lifted the mallet and cheerfully joined her friends in pounding rice cakes. The following month, in January 2025, she fractured her back after falling while trying to get up from bed. She chose not to be hospitalized and instead requested to recover at the care home. Staying positive and committed to rehabilitation, she has since regained mobility and, as of April 2025, is able to walk again with the assistance of a walker.

   

A  Voice of Living History

During our visit, Mrs. Mizogami spoke about her life with remarkable fluency—never pausing to search for words, never hesitating to recall. She shared names, places, and events from her youth through the postwar years with such clarity and calm confidence that it felt as though she were recounting recent memories. It is not uncommon for supercentenarians to reflect on their lives, but it is extraordinarily rare to meet someone who can speak so effortlessly and consistently across a century of lived experience. Her account was not only deeply personal, but also a vivid and coherent testimony that resonates as a living piece of history.

Her detailed recollections offer powerful validation of her age and the life she has lived. In a country like Japan, where the aging population continues to grow, Mrs. Mizogami’s ability to maintain both physical and mental independence up to the age of 109—and how she continues to live each day with positivity beyond the age of 110—make her a remarkable example of healthy longevity. Her way of life offers valuable insight and inspiration to people of all generations.