World's Oldest Living Woman

Posted December 29, 2008, 9:15 am in Aging



Born September 10, 1893, Maria de Jesus became a widow in 1951 (when she was 57 years old).  From that relationship, five children were born, three of whom are still living. De Jesus also has 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

During her lifetime, she visited the hospital only once and is reportedly in very good health, with the exception of her ambulation. Maria worked on the land for her entire life and still lives in her own house instead of a nursing home (like the majority of supercentenarians). She wakes up every morning at 11AM to do her daily hand exercises. Maria remains responsive; she is still able to smile and wave to visitors. However, she can no longer recognize her family, and has serious problems with her sight and hearing. She still walks around with the aid of a walker. For activities, Dos Santos enjoys looking through her old family albums, sunbathing at her porch, eating Portuguese rice pudding and ice cream, as well as taking baths. Reportedly, she never smoked nor drank alcohol nor coffee. Dos Santos also avoids eating meat, preferring to eat fish and vegetables.

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