At 114, Brazilian Woman Is Oldest Living Person

A 114-year-old Brazilian, Maria Gomes Valentim, is the world's oldest living human, according to Guinness World Records. She attributes her longevity to eating a daily roll of bread for breakfast along with fruit, and the occasional nip of wine (her father also lived to be 100). Valentim, known as "Grandma Quita," was born on July 9, 1896, in Carangola in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, where she has always lived. Her family says she is known for her stubborn streak and her habit of minding her own business.

"She says she has lived long because she has always taken care of her own life, and not the life of others," says her 63-year-old granddaughter. Valentim, aged 114 years and 313 days, is 48 days older than the person previously considered the world's oldest human, Besse Cooper from Monroe, Georgia. Cooper now holds the title of the oldest living North American. (More Brazil stories.)