World's Oldest Person, Misao Okawa, Dies Weeks After Celebrating 117th Birthday

World's Oldest Person Dies Weeks After Celebrating 117th Birthday
|

Misao Okawa, the world's oldest living person, has passed away in Japan.

The 117-year-old, who celebrated her birthday on 5 March, died from heart failure at her Osaka nursing home.

She was the third person ever to reach 117 years of age.

Open Image Modal

Okawa was born the daughter of a kimono maker and later married her husband Yukio Okawa in 1919. Sadly, he died in 1931 leaving her widowed for 84 years.

In 2013, Guinness World Records hailed Okawa as the world's oldest living person.

She believed the secret to her longevity was to "eat, sleep and relax" and was also partial to sushi - particularly mackerel on vinegar-steamed rice.

The great grandmother is survived by survived by three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Misao Okawa, The Oldest Person In The World
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(01 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(02 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(03 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(04 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(05 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(06 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(07 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(08 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(09 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(10 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(11 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(12 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(13 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(14 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)
Misao Okawa, The World's Oldest Person(15 of15)
Open Image Modal
Misao celebrating her 115th birthday on March 5 2013 (credit:Getty Images)