Maria Branyas was reportedly the oldest person in the world but sadly passed on Tuesday, August 17th, 2024. Now, the oldest person in the world is a Japanese woman, Tomiko Itooka at age 116 (born May 23, 1908).

When told of her new status she simply said, “Thank you.” a saying she normally says to her caretakers. Itooka has 4 kids, 2 girls and 2 boys and was married at 20. After her husband’s death in 1979, she stayed in Nara Prefecture for a decade, she frequently indulged in mountain climbing, including scaling Mount Nijo in the Kongō Range.

 She enjoyed a very active lifestyle in her prime, like playing volleyball in high school. In her 70s, she tackled Japan’s 3,067-meter Mount Ontake twice, famously surprising her guide by doing so in trainers rather than 

hiking boots. In her 80s, she participated in the Osaka 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, visiting 33 temples. Finally, at 100, she ascended the stone steps of Japan’s Ashiya Shrine unaided by a cane. Proving You’re never too old to enjoy the stuff you love!

hiking boots. In her 80s, she participated in the Osaka 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, visiting 33 temples. Finally, at 100, she ascended the stone steps of Japan’s Ashiya Shrine unaided by a cane. Proving You’re never too old to enjoy the stuff you love!