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Brazilian Nun, Formerly World's Oldest Person, Dies at 116; Briton Takes Title

10 days ago

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Executive Summary

  • Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, the world's oldest person, passed away at the age of 116 in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
  • Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old British woman, now holds the title of world's oldest living person, according to LongeviQuest.
  • Sister Inah attributed her longevity to her Catholic faith, while Ethel Caterham cites a positive attitude and doing what she likes.

Event Overview

Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun who held the title of the world's oldest person, died at the age of 116. Her death has led to Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old woman from Surrey, England, becoming the world's oldest living person. Sister Inah was known for her Catholic faith and love of football, while Ethel Caterham credits her long life to a positive outlook and personal autonomy. Both women lived remarkable lives and achieved notable milestones.

Media Coverage Comparison

Source Key Angle / Focus Unique Details Mentioned Tone
ABC News Sister Inah's death and legacy as an educator and religious figure. Sister Inah's great-grandfather was a Brazilian general. She taught Gen. Joao Figueiredo. Pope Francis honored her on her 110th birthday. Respectful and informative.
BBC News Sister Inah's life, faith, and love for football. Sister Inah celebrated her birthday with a cake in the shape of her favorite football team's stadium. She was blessed by Pope Francis in 2018. Warm and commemorative.
The Guardian Ethel Caterham claiming the title of world's oldest living person and her life story. Ethel Caterham is the first Briton to claim the title since 1987. She was born in 1909 and is the last surviving subject of Edward VII. Informative and celebratory.
Sky News Ethel Caterham becoming the oldest person and her secrets to longevity. Ethel Caterham is among the oldest survivors of coronavirus. She lived in Hong Kong and Gibraltar, opening her own nursery during her time in Asia. Informative and positive.

Key Details & Data Points

  • What: The death of Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, formerly the world's oldest person, and the ascension of Ethel Caterham to that title.
  • Who: Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, Ethel Caterham, LongeviQuest, Pope Francis, Gen. Joao Figueiredo
  • When: Sister Inah died on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, weeks before her 117th birthday. Ethel Caterham was born on August 21, 1909.
  • Where: Sister Inah died in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Ethel Caterham lives in a care home in Surrey, England.

Key Statistics:

  • Key statistic 1: 116 years - Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas's age at the time of her death.
  • Key statistic 2: 115 years - Ethel Caterham's current age.
  • Key statistic 3: 1909 - Ethel Caterham's birth year, making her the last living person born in that year.

Analysis & Context

The passing of Sister Inah marks the end of an era, as she was a figure of faith and longevity. Her life spanned significant historical events, and she contributed to education. Ethel Caterham's rise to the title highlights the increasing number of supercentenarians globally and offers insights into potential factors contributing to long life, such as a positive attitude and personal independence. Both stories reflect broader trends in aging populations and the ongoing quest to understand the secrets of longevity.

Notable Quotes

I’m young, pretty and friendly — all very good, positive qualities that you have too.
— Sister Inah Canabarro (LongeviQuest video in February 2024)
"He [God] is the secret to life".
— Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas (BBC News)
I’ve taken everything in my stride, the highs and lows... I listen and I do what I like.
— Ethel Caterham (BBC Radio Surrey in 2020)
Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to. Have a positive mental attitude and have everything in moderation.
— Ethel Caterham (Salisbury Journal)

Conclusion

The death of Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas signifies the loss of a remarkable individual. Ethel Caterham now carries the mantle, offering her own perspective on longevity. Both women's stories inspire reflection on the factors that contribute to a long and fulfilling life. Further research and analysis are ongoing to understand the secrets of supercentenarians and the implications for aging populations.

Disclaimer: This article was generated by an AI system that synthesizes information from multiple news sources. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and objectivity, reporting nuances, potential biases, or errors from original sources may be reflected. The information presented here is for informational purposes and should be verified with primary sources, especially for critical decisions.