Emma Morano, Italian supercentenarian, last person verified born in the 19th century (b. 1899)

Born on November 29, 1899, in Civiasco, a small comune in the province of Vercelli, Italy, Emma Martina Luigia Morano embarked on an extraordinary life journey that spanned an incredible 117 years and 137 days. Before her passing on April 15, 2017, she held the remarkable distinction of being the world's oldest living person whose age had been meticulously verified. More profoundly, she represented a singular bridge to a bygone era, as the very last living individual confirmed to have been born in the 1800s.

Her life, a testament to human resilience, witnessed the dawn of the 20th century, two World Wars, and an unprecedented wave of technological and societal change. Emma Morano's longevity not only made her a global phenomenon but also cemented her place in her homeland's history; she remains the oldest Italian person ever recorded. On the broader European stage, she stands as the third-oldest European person, following the legendary French supercentenarians Jeanne Calment (who lived from 1875 to 1997) and Lucile Randon (born in 1904).

A Glimpse into Her Long Life

Emma Morano's early life unfolded in northern Italy, a time vastly different from the modern world she eventually left behind. She was the eldest of eight children, and her family lineage reportedly included other long-lived members, hinting at a genetic predisposition to longevity. She worked for many years in a jute factory and later as a cook, maintaining a sense of independence throughout much of her life.

Her remarkable age drew considerable attention, not least because of the simple, yet often discussed, aspects of her daily routine. When asked about her "secret" to such an extended lifespan, Emma often cited her unique diet: three raw eggs every day, a practice she began after a doctor's advice in her youth to combat anemia. She maintained this regimen for decades, along with a small amount of minced meat and a banana daily, while largely avoiding processed foods and sometimes skipping breakfast and dinner.

The Last Link to the 19th Century

The significance of Emma Morano's life extended beyond merely being the oldest. As the last verified person born in the 1800s, she embodied a living connection to a period that now feels like ancient history. Her passing marked the definitive end of an era, closing the chapter on human experience directly tied to the 19th century. This unique status fascinated researchers, journalists, and the public alike, as she carried within her memories and experiences of a world that no longer existed.

Her Place in Longevity Records

• World's Oldest: At the time of her death, she was officially recognized as the world's oldest living person.
• Last 19th-Century Born: The final verified individual born in the 1800s.
• Oldest Italian: The oldest person in Italy's recorded history.
• Third-Oldest European: Ranking behind Jeanne Calment and Lucile Randon.
• Overall Rank: While not the absolute oldest person ever (that distinction belongs to Jeanne Calment), Emma Morano holds a significant position among the supercentenarians who have graced our planet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emma Morano

Who was Emma Morano?

Emma Morano was an Italian supercentenarian who lived to be 117 years and 137 days old. She was recognized as the world's oldest living person and the last verified person to have been born in the 1800s.

How old was Emma Morano when she died?

She passed away at the age of 117 years and 137 days on April 15, 2017.

What was Emma Morano famous for?

Beyond her extreme longevity, she was particularly famous for being the last scientifically verified person to have been born in the 19th century (1800s) and for her unique, long-standing daily diet of raw eggs.

What did Emma Morano attribute her longevity to?

She often cited her diet of three raw eggs daily, which she began as a young woman, and her long-term independence as key factors in her remarkable lifespan. Her family also had a history of long-lived members, suggesting a genetic component.

Where does Emma Morano rank among the oldest people?

She was the oldest Italian person ever recorded and the third-oldest European person in verified history. Globally, she held the title of the world's oldest living person at the time of her death.