The world’s oldest woman, who lived through the sinking of the Titanic, has passed away at the remarkable age of 122 years and 197 days. Lin Shemu, from China, died peacefully at home in her sleep, leaving behind her incredible legacy.
Born on June 18, 1902, she had lived through major historical events and had a life spanning across three centuries. Lin grew up in the Fujian province of China, where she spent her entire life, and was blessed with three sons and four daughters with her late husband.
Her youngest son, now 77 years old, remembered his mother’s remarkable vitality, saying she maintained a sharp sense of hearing and a good appetite until the end. Despite some age-related health issues, including loss of eyesight and a fall that injured her legs, Lin remained largely independent and healthy throughout her life.
Her family described her as a content and good-humoured person who would often encourage her children to overcome obstacles, saying, “There is no obstacle in life that cannot be overcome.”
When asked about the secret to her extraordinary longevity, Lin simply replied, “Being able to eat, drink and sleep. They are a blessing.”, reports the Mirror.
Lin’s family never sought to have her age verified by the Guinness World Records. She took over from Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who was previously recognised as the world’s oldest living person.
Now, it is believed that Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, aged 116, holds the title.
Itooka passed away in a nursing home in Ashiya, Japan, on 29 December, according to What’s The Jam. Jeanne Calment, who lived from 1875 to 1997, is officially recognised as the oldest person to have ever lived, passing away at the age of 122 years and 164 days.
She remains the only person in history whose age has been verified to have reached 120. However, if Lin’s documents are accurate, she would have outlived Calment by 33 days.
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