A Brazilian grandmother is claiming to be the oldest person in the world after recently celebrating her 120th birthday.
Deolira Gliceria Pedro da Silva, from Itaperuna, marked her milestone birthday on March 10 with a lively celebration featuring samba dancing and a live band – a remarkable feat for a woman who has allegedly lived through two world wars, the rise and fall of empires, and more than a century of history.
The woman’s family say they have official documents proving she was born on March 10, 1905, in Portiuncula – making her a staggering 120 years old.
If verified, this would make her the oldest living person in the world, surpassing the current record holder, 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas.
Her family are now working with Guinness World Records to get her astonishing claim officially recognised. The organisation have not yet commented on this.
Family doctor Juair de Abreu Pereira confirmed that Deolira’s birth certificate is already in hand.
‘We already have her birth certificate, which is one of the required documents,’ he told local media.
‘We are waiting for another document to make the official request.’
Deolira Gliceria Pedro da Silva, from Itaperuna, allegedly marked her milestone 120th birthday on March 10, 2025
Her family believe her incredible journey is far from over and can see her living another decade
The woman’s family say they have official documents proving she was born on March 10, 1905, in Portiuncula
Deolira has outlived five of her eight children.
Her daughter Dona Ivani – who is set to turn 90 later this month – is among her surviving children.
Deolira’s extraordinary legacy includes 17 grandchildren, along with an ever-growing number of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Her family believe her incredible journey is far from over and can see her living another decade.
Her granddaughter Doroteia Ferreira da Silva said Deolira’s active lifestyle and strong spirit could see her reach even greater heights.
‘It’s hard to surpass my grandmother, you know?’ Doroteia said.
‘She was very active at home, taking care of the house and yard, raising pigs and chickens. I think grandma will even reach 130 years old.’
Researchers from the Centre for Human Genome Studies and Stem Cells at Sao Paulo University are already studying Deolira’s genetics to uncover the secret to her remarkable longevity.
Dr Mateus Vidigal, a leading expert in the study, explained: ‘The Genome Sao Paulo University has studied Brazilian centenarians in order to analyse and understand the contribution of genetics in longevity and quality of life.’
Researchers from the Centre for Human Genome Studies and Stem Cells at Sao Paulo University are already studying Deolira’s genetics to uncover the secret to her remarkable longevity
If Guinness World Records confirms the claim, Deolira will officially become the oldest living person in the world
Deolira’s extraordinary legacy includes 17 grandchildren, along with an ever-growing number of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren
Meanwhile, her doctor Dr Pereira offered some clues to Deolira’s extraordinary health: ”She always had a balanced diet, which contributed to good swallowing and digestion.
‘In addition, she has quality sleep, essential for cognitive health.
‘She does not present comorbidities, such as hypertension or diabetes and she does not use medicines.’
If Guinness World Records confirms the claim, Deolira will officially become the oldest living person in the world – a testament to her extraordinary life and enduring strength.
According to official Guinness World Record information, the oldest person living is Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas.
She was born in Brazil, on June 8, 1908, making her 116 years old, as verified by supercentenarian research organisation LongeviQuest, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on January 4, 2025.
