A True Football Nation... 116-Year-Old Brazilian Nun, World's Oldest Football Supporter

The Secret to Longevity is Faith and a Positive Mindset

After the passing of Itooka Tomiko (Japan, aged 116), who was the world's oldest person as of the end of last year, the new world's oldest person has been confirmed as a Catholic nun and football fan from Brazil.

On the 5th (local time), the longevity research organization Longevity Quest announced on its official website that Sister Ina Kanabaho had lived 116 years and 211 days as of that day, introducing her as the oldest person in the world. The Associated Press also cited Longevity Quest data, reporting that "Sister Kanabaho, who is close to 117 years old, is currently estimated to be the oldest person."

The 114th birthday party of Sister In? Kanabaho in 2022. Teresa Sisters of Brazil official website

Born on June 8, 1908, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Sister Kanabaho is known to have been involved in religious activities since her teenage years. She is currently reported to be living at the Teresa Sisters' convent in Porto Alegre, the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul.

In an interview with a media outlet on October 1 last year, on the occasion of the Elderly Day, she appeared in a wheelchair and said about her age this year, "I've aged a bit. 116 years old." She also gained attention when she was congratulated by Pope Francis on her 110th birthday.

Sister Kanabaho cited 'faith' and a 'positive mindset' as the secrets to her longevity. She said, "I am young, beautiful, and kind, which are very good qualities that all of you also possess." In particular, Kanabaho is well known locally as an enthusiastic football fan. The prestigious Brazilian professional football team SC Internacional, based in Porto Alegre, gifted her a uniform last year as a "birthday present for the oldest supporter."

Previously, Sister Andre from France (real name Lucile Randon), known as the world's oldest nun, passed away in 2023 at the age of 118. At that time, the nursing home in Toulon, France, where Sister Andre resided, said, "Sister Andre passed away in her sleep," adding, "It is very sad, but for the sister who missed her beloved older brother who passed away earlier, (death) must be a liberation." Sister Andre had lost her sight due to old age and relied on a wheelchair, but she was known to have enjoyed a healthy later life, even enjoying wine on her 117th birthday.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.