Determining the oldest person on Earth requires careful verification of age and documentation. While several sources claim different individuals as the oldest, discrepancies exist due to varying record-keeping and reporting practices. However, based on available information from reputable sources like Guinness World Records and other news outlets, there is some consensus. The situation is dynamic and may change frequently.
Current Contenders and Challenges:
Several names frequently appear in discussions about the world's oldest person. These reports often conflict, highlighting the challenges in definitively answering this question:
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Tomiko Itooka: Often cited as the oldest living person, with reports placing her age at 116 years old. This information is supported by sources like Lottie.org (https://lottie.org/carecollective/oldest-people-in-the-world/) and Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_verified_oldest_people).
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Maria Branyas Morera: Fox40 News reported this American-born woman, residing in Spain, as the oldest living documented person (https://fox40.com/news/national-and-world-news/supercentenarians-oldest-living-people-in-the-world/).
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John Tinniswood: Reported by the BBC as the oldest living man (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8xvepqvn6o), highlighting the distinction between oldest person and oldest man.
Importance of Verification:
It's crucial to note that claims of extreme age must be rigorously verified. Accurate documentation, including birth certificates and consistent records, is essential to establish the oldest living person. The Guinness World Records (https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/84549-oldest-person-living.html) plays a vital role in this verification process.
Conclusion:
While definitive answers fluctuate due to the nature of the question and the challenges in verifying age across global populations, at the time of writing this, several individuals are cited as strong contenders for the title of the oldest person alive. The title frequently changes, so relying on constantly updated sources is necessary.
