South African woman celebrates 118th birthday, could be world's oldest: Video
Margaret Maritz, a South African woman believed to be the oldest living person in the world, celebrated her 118th birthday with a small party at her care home in Touws River, a town near Cape Town.
Born on September 27, 1906, according to her identity card, Maritz could surpass the current Guinness World Record holder, Japanese national Tomiko Itooka, born in 1908, if her age is verified.
A non-governmental foundation, which organised the celebration, provided a copy of Maritz's identity document, although it has not yet been independently authenticated.
Gregory Elroy Adams, a senior nurse at the AGS Old Age Home where Maritz resides, praised her healthy lifestyle choices.
"She didn’t drink, she didn’t smoke," he told the AFP. "She’s always smiling and happy."
Maritz’s 81-year-old daughter, Gertryda, reflected on her mother's gentle nature. "She was very soft, not strict. I cannot say she raised me wrong," she said.
Another daughter, Liza Daniels, expressed gratitude for her mother’s long life, saying, "It’s a privilege to have a mother who reaches this age, despite the challenges she’s faced."
Currently, the oldest living person in the world whose age has been validated is Japan’s 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka, who was born on 23 May 1908.
