Tomiko Itooka, who was included in the Guinness World Records as the oldest woman in the world, died on 29 December at the age of 116 years in a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, after living a very long and successful life. This news was confirmed by Yoshitsugu Nagata, an elderly welfare official.

Itooka was born on 23 May

Itooka was born on 23 May, 1908 in Osaka, Japan. She saw many big opportunities and changes in the world in the 116 years of her life. Last year, after passing away at the age of 117, Itooka became the oldest person in the world, which was confirmed according to data from the Gerontology Research Group. When she was informed of this, she had a simple reply, “Thank you.” She was awarded a Guinness World Records certificate on Respect for the Aged Day, which is celebrated in Japan to honor elderly people.

Itooka was very lively and energetic

Itooka was very lively and energetic, and her favorite food was bananas and a popular Japanese drink was Calpis. During her youth, she played volleyball and climbed Mount Ontake, which is 3,067 metres (10,062 feet) high, twice. During the Second World War she managed the office of her husband’s textile factory and after his death she lived independently in Nara since 1979.

She has one son, one daughter and five grandchildren. Now the title of the oldest person in the world goes to Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who is now 116 years old and was born 16 days after Itooka.

Itooka’s story teaches us that the secret to a long life can be an active lifestyle and a humble approach.