And her name is Kane Tanaka, the worlds oldest living person at age 118 years.
It is the mysterious product of genetics, healthy habits, and luck, amongst countless other factors.
And of those few who live to see a century, a handful are blessed with bonus years.
The Guinness World Record holder was born in 1903 and took over the title in 2019 at age 116.
Now 119, Tanaka has received birthday wishes from around the world in recognition of her exceptional life.
In Tanaka’s native Japan, a silent film calledMomijigarialso premiered.
Filmed in 1899, it is the oldest surviving example of Japanese film.
Tanaka has seen pandemics, world wars, and countless other historic events in her lifetime.
This super-centenarians personal history is as fascinating as her life span.
Tanaka married at age 19 and raised a family of five children.
Her husband fought in World War II while she ran their rice and noodle business on the home front.
Today, the loving grandmother lives in a rest home where she keeps a lively schedule.
Tanaka wakes at 6 a.m., studies mathematics, and solves number puzzles.
She is also an expert at the game Othello.
(Mental exercisessuch as sudoku can help keep the brain sharp as it ages, studies have shown.)
That record is held by Frenchwoman Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived to 122.
Like Tanaka, Calment reportedly was a big fan of chocolate.
As Tanaka rings in another year closer to the record, her family just wishes her joy.
Happy birthday to Tanaka and congratulations on one more exceptional year!
