How Africa
After the death of American super-centenarian Sussana Mushat Jones, Emma Morano became the oldest woman alive today. She was born on 29 November 1899.
While Susannah Mushatt Jones, the last living American born in the 19th century, died at the age of 116 years and 311 days, Emma Morano from Verbania, Italy, will turn 117 on November 29.
Whenever we come across world’s oldest people, there’s always the tendency to puzzle over what the secret is behind their longevity.
Italy is one of the world’s known region with the highest life expectancy. Till date scientists are still researching into the secret of over 300 centenarians living in Acciaroli, Italy.
They have strong reasons to believe that their lifestyle (which accommodated hiking and physical exercises) and diet played significant roles in their longevity status. A particular herb that is suspected for the trick is rosemary which Italians consistently cook with.
Funny enough this Italian lady does not give the credit for her longevity to rosemary herb or hiking.
“I eat two eggs a day and that’s it… And cookies. But I do not eat much because I have no teeth.”
When Emma Morano says that she eats 2 eggs in a day, she definitely does not mean boiled or fried or poached eggs. The elderly lady says that for decades now, she has been eating them uncooked.
According to her she was told by a doctor that raw eggs would help improve her anemic condition.
Emma Morano got divorced in her late 30’s and has been single and living alone ever since. The Italian super-centenarian says perhaps not being “dominated” played a part in her longevity status.
In the words of her doctor,
“Despite everything she always recovers… When she is well, she really is well.”
Dr. Bava says Emma’s resilience is indeed as surprising as her longevity diet.
“Emma has always eaten very few vegetables, very little fruit. When I met her, she ate three eggs per day, two raw in the morning and then an omelette at noon, and chicken at dinner.”
