She was born in the same year the ice cream scoop was invented
Francisca Susano, the woman thought to be the oldest person ever to have lived, has died at her home.
Affectionately known as Lola Iska, Susano passed away at her home in the Philippines at a reported age of 124.
If this is her actual age, then she would take the title as the oldest person ever to walk the earth.
According to officials, this supercentenarian was the world's only surviving person born in the 19th century.
Documents show that she was born on September 11, 1897, which was just a year before the Spanish relinquished reign over the Philippines.
Local official Jake Carlyne Gonzales told
CNN Philippines that authorities are unsure of Susano's cause of death, but it is unlikely to have been covid-related as she showed no outward symptoms of the illness.
As recently as this September, the Guinness World Records was still going over documents needed for Susano to be declared the oldest person ever.
Local officials claim that her age surpasses the previous record holder by almost two years.
On Facebook, the City Government of Kabankalan said: "It is with sadness in our heart when we received the news that our beloved Lola Francisca Susano passed away early this Monday evening November 22.
"Lola Iska is considered the oldest person in Negros Occidental and the Philippines.
"Mayor Pedro Zayco, Vice Mayor Raul Rivera and all city officials, as well as all the people of Kabankalan City, condoles and prays with the family of Lola Iska in their period of bereavement.
"Lola Iska will always remain as our inspiration and pride."
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It is thought that Lola lived for so long thanks to a healthy diet consisting of mainly vegetables, little meat and the fact that she didn't drink alcohol. Which is certainly different advice to that of
Britain's oldest man.
Currently, the official record holder for the oldest person to ever live belongs to Jeanne Calment who was born in 1875 and lived to be 122 years and 164 days old.
Her age was independently verified after she passed away in 1997, outliving both her daughter and grandson.
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