Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a devoted nun, teacher, football enthusiast, and someone known for her great sense of humor, holds the title of the oldest living person at the remarkable age of 117. With her radiant smile, she exudes positivity that’s hard to miss. Curious about her secret to longevity? Sister Inah credits her faith and Catholic beliefs for helping her maintain a joyful outlook on life.
According to LongeviQuest, an organization dedicated to tracking supercentenarians worldwide, Sister Inah became the oldest living person following the passing of Japan’s Tomiko Itooka in December.
Interestingly, the woman who now holds the title of the oldest living person, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, was so frail as a child that many doubted she would survive. Despite being wheelchair-bound today, her vibrant attitude toward life remains unaffected. She often cracks jokes and humorously describes herself as young, pretty, and friendly.
Currently residing in a retirement home in Porto Alegre, a city in southern Brazil, Sister Inah enjoys regular visits from her nephew every Saturday. He also sends her voice messages to keep her spirits high, especially after two hospitalizations left her weak and struggling to speak.
A testament to her remarkable life, Sister Inah was honored by Pope Francis on her 110th birthday, a milestone reflecting her enduring faith and resilience.
Her early life
Born on June 8, 1908, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas grew up in a large family in southern Brazil. Her great-grandfather was a renowned Brazilian general who fought during the turbulent period following Brazil’s independence from Portugal in the 19th century.
As a teenager, Sister Inah chose a life of religious devotion, dedicating herself to service. Her journey took her to Montevideo, Uruguay, where she spent two years before relocating to Rio de Janeiro and later settling closer to her roots in southern Brazil.
In addition to her spiritual work, Sister Inah has a passion for various forms of artwork. A devoted soccer fan, she receives an annual birthday celebration from the local soccer club, Inter, complete with cake and red-and-white balloons to honor her love for the sport.
Now recognized as the 20th oldest documented person in history, Sister Inah’s extraordinary life is a testament to her resilience and enduring legacy.
