World's oldest person turns 117 in Italy

(29 Nov 2016) Italy's Emma Morano, the world's oldest living person, marked her 117th birthday on Tuesday, blowing out all the candles on her cake. Beaming at the attention, Morano took in the festivities for her milestone celebration while sitting in an armchair in her one-room apartment in the northern town of Verbania. She was joined by her two elderly nieces, a pair of caregivers and her long-time physician. She received a greeting from Italy's president, read by the local prefect, wishing her "serenity and good health," and appeared for a brief live broadcast on state-run television. She happily accepted some gifts, including her favourite cookies, which she ate with some milk. Then she blew out the candles on her cake - not one for every year, but three numerals to show her age, 117 - and quipped: "I hope I don't have to cut it!" To the assembled well-wishers, Morano said, "I am happy to turn 117," and drew encouragement from her physician, Dr. Carlo Bava. "Who would have said it?!" the doctor remarked. "When you were young everyone used to say you were weak and sick." "Yes, yes," she responded. Another party, including a visit from the local mayor and the cutting of another cake, was planned for the afternoon, after Morano has taken a nap. Morano, who is believed to be the last surviving person in the world born in the 1800s, became the oldest living person in May. Italy is known for its centenarians - many of whom live on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia - and gerontologists are studying Morano, along with a handful of Italians over 105, to try to figure out their longevity. Bava has credited Morano's long life to her genetic make-up and the fact she has a doting family. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...