Post date: May 23, 2011 9:21:53 PM
Brazilian great-great grandmother Marie Gomes Valentim is crowned the world's oldest living person at age 114.
REUTERS - In the Brazilian town of Carangola, Maria Gomes Valentim has always lived a quiet life... that is, until now.
The woman has just been crowned the world's oldest living person by Guinness World Records, aged 114 years, 314 days.
Known as Granny Quita, the great great grandmother was born on July 9, 1896, although her birth certificate was only issued in 1910.
Today, she lives with her great granddaughter, Tais Nolasco.Tais Nolasco, great granddaughter of the world's oldest woman, saying
"We told her about the Guinness record and she was happy. She liked it - she said, 'oh is that so?', and we told her 'yes, you were crowned the world's oldest person'. When reporters started coming here we told her that being famous involved hard work, and she told us, 'no problem'."
According to her caregivers, Valentim never skips her morning coffee, and enjoys the occasional glass of wine.
She also loves her spicy food and soda, and has always made a point to mind her own business.
Tais Nolasco, great granddaughter of the world's oldest woman, saying (Portuguese)
"According to her, the secret of her longevity is that she always took care of her own life and was never meddling in other people's lives. Her diet has always been very healthy; she always ate vegetables and fruits, and has always been concerned about having a balanced diet. She also used to walk a lot, so she was always exercising."
Luis Henrique Arruda, the local church pastor, says Valentim has set a good example.
Luiz Henrique Arruda, church pastor, saying
"Living up to the age of 114 is definitely not for everyone. But if we take good care of our health, have a balanced diet and exercise, then it is possible."
Valentim lives on a pension of $335 (USD)per month, and her family hopes the attention will help out her financial situation.
Gemma Haines, Reuters