Maria Branyas Morera, who holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest living person, turned 117 years on Monday.
Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, USA, Maria’s record was ratified in January 2023 following the death of 118-year-old Lucile Randon from France.
According to Guinness World Records, Maria ‘returned to Spain with her family when she was eight and settled in Catalonia region, where she has lived all her life.
For the past 23 years, Maria has spent in a nursing home in Catalonia. According to Eva Carrera Boix, the director of Maria’s nursing home, Maria was thrilled by the congratulatory messages she received for turning a year older.
“She is happy to be able to celebrate this special day intimately with her family and colleagues and wishes everyone a happy Monday,” Eva was quoted by Guinness World Records.
Maria is said to be in good health, apart from hearing and mobility difficulties.
She runs a social media account on X (formerly Twitter), which is managed by her 80-year-old daughter.
Maria describes herself on the handle: “I’m old, very old, but not an idiot.” She enjoys around 16,000 followers.