How to live to 127

How to live to 127
Mexico’s Leandra Becerra Lumbreras has become the oldest human ever to have lived at the grand old age of 127, despite losing her birth certificate some 40 years ago.

Born on August 31, 1887, Lumbreras was 27 when the Second World War broke out and was a pensioner at the age of 66 when Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne. When the first man walked on the moon, she was 82.

So what is Lumbreras’ secret to a long life?

As far as life mantras goes, the birthday girl keeps it simple: eat well, sleep for days on end and never get married, her family discloses.

A passionate storyteller, particularly when it comes to the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1917, Lumbreras reportedly fought in the Revolution as a leader of the Adelitas – women who went with their husbands to the battlefront.

A former seamstress, Lumbreras has already buried her five children and several of her 20 grandchildren – the last one dying in 2013 aged 90.

And with 73 great grandchildren and 55 great grand children, Mexican authorities are hoping to redistribute her birth certificate after she lost the original one 40 years ago while allegedly moving house.

Although she is now deaf and suffering from cataracts, Lumbreras still enjoys entertaining her family with “lucid” stories from the revolution.

Miss Lumbreras is 12 years older than Japan’s Misao Okawa, currently the oldest documented living person in the world, according to Guinness World Records.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Print Recipe

BECOME A MiNDFOOD SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe. 

Member Login