Death of the dean of the world at 116 years old

A 116 -year -old Brazilian nun, dean of humanity, goes out. Who is the new dean? discover his journey and the secrets of their longevity …

Imagine living more than a century, cross two world wars, technological revolutions and even a world pandemic. An extraordinary woman, Brazilian religious, embodied this resilience until her 116 years, becoming the dean of humanity. His recent death marks the end of an era, but also opens the way to a new figure, an Englishman of 115 years. This article explores their journey, the secrets of their longevity and what their lives teach us about human resilience.

A life dedicated to faith and humanity

The Brazilian nun, born in 1908 in a small town in southern Brazil, marked the world by its exceptional longevity and its spiritual commitment. At just 16 years old, she chooses the religious route, integrating a congregation where she will spend the rest of her life. His career, mixing faith, teaching and service, illustrates an existence guided by deep values.

The beginnings of a vocation

Born into a modest family, she grew up near the Uruguayan border. From her adolescence, she felt a spiritual appeal and joined a religious school in Santana Do Livramento. This decision marks the beginning of a life devoted to prayer and education. At 26, she pronounced her wishes, fully committing to a service life.

His career is not without challenges. Living in a border region, often unstable, requires early resilience. However, she finds in faith an unshakable force, which she later attributes to her longevity. In Devise : live simply, love deeply and trust a superior force.

“God is the secret of life. He is the secret of everything. »»

A career at the service of others

After her wishes, she became a teacher, forming generations of students in religious schools. Its role is not limited to education: it also occupies administrative functions, managing institutions with rigor and benevolence. Her colleagues describe a woman attentive, always ready to reach out.

His visit to Montevideo, Uruguay, in the 1930s, enriched his experience. This stay, although in short, allows him to discover other cultures and strengthen his vision of a world United by faith. Back in Brazil, she moved to Porto Alegre, where she will live until the end of her days.

Survive the time test

Reaching 116 is not only a question of genetics. This woman, whose life extends over three centuries, has gone through major trials. The Pandemic of COVID-19, in particular, put its resilience to the test. At 112, she received her first dose of vaccine, a symbolic moment of the global fight against the virus.

In 2022, hospitalized, she contracts the COVVI-19. Against all expectations, she survives, becoming one of the oldest people to cure the disease. This episode illustrates its physical and mental strength, but also the importance of modern care in the longevity of the elders.

The secrets of its longevity

Asked about the reasons for her longevity, she always pointed out towards her faith. But other factors have played a role. Here are some key elements of his life:

• Faith and spirituality : A life focused on prayer and meditation.
• Simple life : A frugal diet and a lifestyle without excess.
• Community : Living surrounded by your religious sisters, constant emotional support.
• Mental activity : Teaching and managing administrative tasks have maintained his lively mind.

These elements, combined with medical advances, partly explain why it has lived so long. But for her, everything came back to a simple truth: to live for a goal larger than oneself.

A new dean emerges

With her death, the title of dean of humanity went to an Englishwoman, born in 1909. 115 years old and 252 days, she resides in a care house in the Surrey, in England. His just as fascinating journey reflects a life of adventures and adaptability.

An international course

Born in a small village in Hampshire, this woman grew up in a rural England. In the 1920s, she left alone in India, where she worked as a nanny. This experience, daring for a young woman of the time, shows her spirit of independence.

In 1933, she married a British soldier, and the couple lived in Hong Kong and Gibraltar. These years abroad forge its character and expand its horizons. Back in England, she raises two girls while remaining active in her community.

Active life until advanced age

What distinguishes this new dean is its dynamism. She drives a car up to 97 years old, a rare feat. Until 109 years old, she lives with her daughter, before settling in a care house. Even today, her loved ones say she remains healthy and lucid.

In September 2024, she became the last person in the United Kingdom born before 1912, a national record. This milestone, validated by gerontology experts, underlines its exceptional status.

What do these exceptional lives learn from us?

The stories of these two women, one Brazilian, the other Englishwoman, transcend borders and eras. They remind us that longevity is not only a question of biology, but also of meaning, community and resilience. Here are some lessons learned from their journeys:

• The power of faith : For the Brazilian nun, spirituality was a compass.
• Adaptability : Travel, settle abroad, or drive to 97 years reflects an ability to embrace change.
• Social ties : Live surrounded by loved ones or a community strengthens mental health.

These women lived at a time when women had fewer opportunities. However, they knew how to leave their mark, whether through faith, education or independence. Their heritage inspires generations to live fully, regardless of obstacles.

Longevity in the modern world

Longevity is an increasingly studied subject. With medical progress, more and more people reach advanced ages. But what distinguishes supercintenarians, these rare individuals exceeding 110 years? The researchers point to a mixture of genetics, lifestyle and environment.

For example, supercentenary often live in regions where the community plays a central role, as in Japan or in certain parts of Italy. They adopt simple diets, rich in vegetables and poor in processed foods. Physical activity, even moderate, is also a key factor.

An inheritance for the future

The death of the Brazilian dean closes a chapter, but the new English dean opens another. Their lives, although different, share a common thread: a determination to live with meaning. In a world obsessed with youth, they remind us that each year lived is an opportunity to grow, love and inspire.

So how do we apply these lessons to our daily life? Perhaps by cultivating significant relationships, by remaining curious, or by finding a goal that exceeds us. These women, by their example, show us that life, even at 116, can be rich and meaningful.