Guinness World Records Crowns New 'Oldest Living Person'

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Maria Gomes Valentim is the oldest living person at 114 years, 313 days old.
Maria Gomes Valentim is the oldest living person at 114 years, 313 days old. (Image credit: Guinness World Records)

Guinness World Records (GWR) has announced that Maria Gomes Valentim is the new holder of the "Oldest Living Person" title. The great-great grandmother is 114 years and 313 days old.

Born on July 9, 1896, in Carangola, Brazil, Valentim is 48 days older than the previous titleholder, Besse Cooper from Monroe, Ga. Cooper will now hold the title of "Oldest Living North American."

She attributes her life's longevity to a healthy diet, which includes eating fruit and a bread roll with her daily morning coffee. Valentim told GWR that she is able to eat completely on her own and occasionally treats herself to a glass of wine.

"To receive a claim from a woman born during the reign of Queen Victoria — before the Ford Motor Company was formed, or before even George and Ira Gershwin, were born — is remarkable in itself, but for that woman to be Brazilian makes it extra special," Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday said in a press release.

"Never has a successful claim for longevity emerged from Brazil — until now," Glenday said.

This story was provided by Life's Little Mysteries, a sister site to LiveScience. Follow Life's Little Mysteries on Twitter @LLMysteries.

Remy Melina
Remy Melina was a staff writer for Live Science from 2010 to 2012. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Hofstra University where she graduated with honors.