Misao Okawa of Osaka, Japan holds a very distinctive Guinness World Record — she’s the world’s oldest living person. Okawa turned 117 years old this past week, and her family held a small party to commemorate the record holder’s birth day.
According to her interview with the Associated Press, Okawa doesn’t think much about her age:
“It seemed rather short,” she said after Osaka government official Takehiro Ogura, who brought her a big bouquet, asked how she felt about living for 117 years.
Being 117 has its charms, like being recognized by the folks at Guinness World Records and gaining worldwide media attention. On the other hand, it has its cons. Getting asked what her secret is is probably one of them:
Asked for the secret of her longevity, she responded nonchalantly, “I wonder about that too.”
After 117 years, Okawa’s probably tired of hearing that question. Sounds like she’s wise enough to simply feign ignorance. Makes me wonder if, perhaps a decade or two ago, she went through a “fatty foods” or “smoke everyday” phase when dispensing advice.
(Via AP)