Tomiko Itoka is the ‘top banana’ at 116 years old

The title of the world’s oldest person has now peeled away to Japanese grandmother Tomiko Itoka, who, at 116, has taken over from Maria Branyas, who passed away at 117 on August 20. Tomiko was notified of her new status on August 21 and responded with a warm “thank you,” proving she’s as sweet as her secret to longevity.

So, what’s Tomiko’s recipe for a long life? A daily diet of bananas and Calpis, a Japanese fermented milk drink, which keeps her feeling ‘grape’ all the time.

The Gerontology Research Group in the US confirmed on August 21 that Tomiko now holds the title of the world’s oldest living person. Despite the exciting news, Tomiko maintained a dignified and graceful composure.

Tomiko, who has four children and five grandchildren, lives in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture. She’s known for her passion for walking and temple visits, and her routine of munching on bananas and sipping Calpis seems to be keeping her ‘blooming’ with health.

At her nursing home, Tomiko is cherished by the staff for her politeness and appreciation towards her caregivers, proving that a bit of gratitude goes a long way.

Despite her advanced age and limited mobility, she continues to enjoy visiting nearby shrines. On the day she became the world’s oldest person, she remained mentally fit and spent her time enjoying her favourite drink as usual.

Tomiko had a passion for mountain climbing. She once climbed Mount Futakami, spanning Nara and Osaka Prefectures, and Mount Ontake, which stands at 3,000 metres, wearing ordinary shoes. Even at 100 years old, she climbed the stone steps to visit the Ashiya Shrine without needing a cane. In her later years, she continued to visit various shrines and temples for worship and documented her travels.

On December 12, last year, Mizutatsu Fusei, another long-lived Japanese individual, passed away. At that time, Tomiko became the oldest living person in Japan at 115 years and 203 days old. Following the death of Maria Branyas, who was born in the United States and passed away on August 20 this year, Tomiko became the oldest person in the world at 116 years and 90 days old.

Tomiko’s longevity has brought her widespread recognition and admiration.

Her simple yet disciplined lifestyle, including her dietary habits and active engagement with her spiritual practices, reflects the cultural values of dedication and respect towards health and well-being. The community around her continues to celebrate her life and the wisdom she embodies.

Maria Branyas’ final wishes, though sombre, were deeply moving, adding to the legacy she left behind, reported Sanook.