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"Fly high, Bette!": World's longest-serving flight attendant dies aged 88

<p>Bette Nash, the world's longest-serving flight attendant has passed away aged 88, after a short battle with breast cancer. </p> <p>American Airlines, where Nash devoted almost seven decades of her life, announced her death on social media on Saturday. </p> <p>"We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air," they began their post. </p> <p>“Bette was a legend at American and throughout the industry, inspiring generations of flight attendants. </p> <p>“Fly high, Bette. We’ll miss you.”</p> <p>A spokesperson for the airlines confirmed that she was still an active employee at the time of her death. </p> <p>Nash, who was born on December 31, 1935,  began her flight-attendant career with Eastern Airlines in 1957, at just 21-years-old. </p> <p>In January 2022, she was officially recognised as the world’s longest-serving flight attendant by Guinness World Records, after surpassing the previous record a year earlier. She continued to hold the title until her passing. </p> <p>Tributes have poured in from people all over the world on social media, with many praising her for her unwavering dedication and kindness. </p> <p>"Fly high Bette! It was a pleasure being your passenger," wrote one person on X, alongside a selfie he took with her. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fly high Bette! It was a pleasure being your passenger. <a href="https://t.co/9N63YPB5Ia">pic.twitter.com/9N63YPB5Ia</a></p> <p>— Jon Kruse (@JonKruseYacht) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonKruseYacht/status/1794459429997273423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>"She was flying as a passenger when she sat next to me, pinned her jacket to the bulkhead, gave me a three minute story of her life then said 'So what's your story?'. She was a dynamo. Rest easy," another added.  </p> <p>"She was an absolute delight in my earliest airline life working the USAir shuttle at LGA. Godspeed and eternal silvered wings Bette!" a third wrote. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">She was an absolute delight in my earliest airline life working the USAir shuttle at LGA. Godspeed and eternal silvered wings Bette!</p> <p>— Ryan Spellman (@JustJettingThru) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustJettingThru/status/1794480142766531034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>"Rest in Peace Bette Nash," wrote a fourth. </p> <p>"Bette was a class act. Truly a loss for the skies. She was truly an Angel," added another. </p> <p><em>Image: CBS/ X</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Teen with Down Syndrome sets new world record

<p>A 19-year-old teen with Down Syndrome has conquered the London Marathon and became a Guinness World Record after just five months of training. </p> <p>Lloyd Martin from Cardiff completed the 42.1 km course across the capital with his mother cheering him on. </p> <p>Guinness World Record has awarded him the certificate for becoming the youngest person in his learning disability category to finish a marathon. </p> <p>"I'm so excited to run London. I love being fit and healthy and I want to make my family and friends proud," the teenager said. </p> <p>Mum Ceri Hooper also told the<em> BBC</em> how proud she was of her son's accomplishment. </p> <p>"In Lloyd's words, it's achieving his dream," she said. </p> <p>"Really anything is possible if you put your mind to it. With a bit of work, you can achieve it."</p> <p>Recalling the experience, the proud mum said: "He ran continuously for 14 miles which is the longest he's ever run before." </p> <p>Although Lloyd walked for a bit after his 14-mile-long streak, the crowd cheered him on every step of the way, and despite the challenge the mother-and-son duo had "a ball". </p> <p>The pair were at a loss for words when he finally crossed the finish line and they both "burst into tears." </p> <p>Lloyd is also now the third Welsh Special Olympics athlete to compete in the London Marathon. </p> <p>Prior to completing the world-famous marathon, Lloyed had completed an astonishing 30 Parkruns. </p> <p>Until last Christmas the teenager had never run further than three miles, but his mother was determined to get him marathon-ready. </p> <p>Ceri, who has taken on the London Marathon four times, created a specialised training regime for her son which included weekly runs. </p> <p>Lloyd managed to secure a spot in the marathon thanks to the help of the Special Olympics GB, where he is also a footballer and a gymnast. </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook/ Twitter</em></p>

Caring

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World's oldest dog has title suspended amid doubts about his age

<p>The world's <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/miraculous-meet-the-world-s-oldest-dog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oldest dog</a>, Bobi, who was reportedly 31 years and 165 days old when he died in October, has provisionally lost his title as Guinness World Records investigates his age. </p> <p>Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, was a livestock guardian breed with a life expectancy of anywhere between 12-14 years, which meant that he lived over double his age. </p> <p>His age was initially confirmed by the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria, which said he had been registered in 1992, which was then verified by Portuguese government-authorised pet database SIAC. </p> <p>He was crowned the world's "oldest ever dog" in February, and his owner Leonel Costa claimed that there were many reasons behind the dog's extraordinary age. </p> <p>Costa said that Bobi always roamed freely, lived in a "calm, peaceful" environment and ate human food soaked in water to remove seasonings. </p> <p>But now, Bobi's true age has been question after suspicions about the evidence that proved his true age were raised not long after his death. </p> <p>"While our review is ongoing we have decided to temporarily pause both the record titles for oldest dog living and ever just until all of our findings are in place," a spokesperson told CNN. </p> <p>The GWR is now conducting a formal review, which involves analysing existing evidence, seeking new evidence, and reaching out to experts and those linked to the original application.</p> <p>The previous record for the world's oldest dog was held by Australian cattle dog Bluey, who was born in 1910 and lived to be 29 years and five months old.</p> <p><em>Image: Youtube</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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104-year-old woman becomes world's oldest skydiver

<p>A 104-year-old Chicago woman is believed to be the oldest person in the world to tandem skydive, after jumping off a plane from 13,500 feet (4,100 meters) in northern Illinois. </p> <p>On Sunday the 1st of October, Dorothy Hoffner left her walker behind without hesitation and hopped on a Skyvan to set a world record.</p> <p>The 104-year-old could not contain her excitement as she sat on the plane.</p> <p>“Let’s go, let’s go, Geronimo!” she said. </p> <p>Hoffner first started skydiving when she was 100, and initially had to be pushed out of the aircraft, but this time around, things were different. </p> <p>The centenarian insisted on leading the jump while tethered to a U.S. Parachute Association-certified instructor. She was cool and confident as the plane doors opened to reveal the golden crop fields below. </p> <p>Hoffner fearlessly tumbled out of the plane head first and successfully did a forward roll before freefalling from 13,500 feet in the air. </p> <p>The dive lasted seven minutes, including the parachutes slow descent on to the ground. </p> <p>As soon as she landed at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, just 140 km southwest of Chicago, friends rushed in to share their congratulations. </p> <p>When asked how it felt to be back on land she simply replied with: “Wonderful." </p> <p>“But it was wonderful up there. The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better."</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rQQyc9kRfio?si=3uj4x5hTPyyU6HrJ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Moments after her touchdown, the centenarian told the cheering crowd: “Age is just a number." </p> <p>The previous Guinness World Record for oldest skydiver was set in May 2022 by 103-year-old Swedish woman Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson. </p> <p>Skydive Chicago is currently working with Guinness World Records to certify Hoffner's jump as a record according to <em>WLS-TV</em>. </p> <p>Hoffner's final message for those who haven't tried it: “Skydiving is a wonderful experience, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. Just do it." </p> <p><em>Images: ABC 7 Chicago / Skydive Chicago</em></p> <p> </p>

Retirement Life

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World’s oldest dog celebrates birthday in style

<p dir="ltr">The world’s oldest dog has reached another major life milestone, marking the momentous occasion with a fun-filled 31st birthday party. </p> <p dir="ltr">Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo from the rural Portuguese village of Conqueiros, was born on May 11 1992, and reached the ripe old age of 31 in 2023. </p> <p dir="ltr">And so, it only stood to reason to celebrate, as Bobi’s human family made sure to do with their furry friend - and over 100 other guests from all over the world. </p> <p dir="ltr">Prior to Bobi’s big day, his owner - Leonel Costa - had informed Bobi’s supporters that it was set to be a “very traditional” Portuguese party. </p> <p dir="ltr">The menu was simple, and full of Bobi’s favourites, from local meat to fish, with extra set aside for the human food loving dog.</p> <p dir="ltr">As for entertainment, a dance troupe were scheduled to perform, with one surprise guest star joining their number - Bobi himself.</p> <p dir="ltr">It was a big affair for the canine, who has had a busy life since <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/miraculous-meet-the-world-s-oldest-dog">the Guinness World Records awarded him his title early in 2023</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The family had seen a lot of journalists come their way - as well as people from all across the globe - in search of pictures with Bobi, Leonel explained. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They’ve come from all over Europe,” he noted, “as well as the USA and even Japan.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the packed schedule, Leonel added that Bobi’s health had been good, and that Bobi had been for a check-up in the wake of all of the attention and the stress that came along with it, with Leonel concerned about his friend’s mental and physical health. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There were a lot of pictures taken and he had to get up and down many times. It wasn’t easy for him,” he said. “His health was a little damaged, but now it’s better.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Leonel actually credits Bobi’s “calm, peaceful environment” for his longevity, though he went on to add that Bobi is finding it more difficult to walk as the years go by - something that can’t have come easy after his decades roaming the forests around their home. </p> <p dir="ltr">But according to Leonel, he’s still a happy dog, even if a good portion of his time is spent enjoying the benefits of a good sleep, especially after he’s eaten or if the fire is on during a cold day.</p> <p dir="ltr">And for Leonel, who has been experiencing life with Bobi at his side since he was just eight years old, Bobi means the world: past, present, and future. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Bobi is special because looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here,” he said, “like my father, my brother, or my grandparents who have already left this world.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Bobi represents those generations.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Guinness World Records</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Tony Bennett sets a new Guinness World Record

<p>Grammy Award-winning singer Tony Bennett has set a new <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2021/10/legendary-tony-bennett-officially-the-oldest-person-to-release-an-album-of-new-ma-678310" target="_blank">Guinness World Record</a>.</p> <p>The music legend has released a collaboration with Lady Gaga titled <em>Love for Sale</em>, making Bennett the oldest person to release an album of new material. </p> <p>When the project was released on October 1st, Tony Bennett was <span>95 years and 60 days old.</span></p> <p><span>Despite their 60-year age gap, Lady Gaga said she </span><span>finds inspiration performing alongside the senior crooner.</span></p> <p><span>"I see a young boy every time I sing with him, and it just makes the experience of singing so freeing." </span></p> <p><span>"To have it be about two souls singing together ... and then at the same time, I also take in all his wisdom. The wisdom of all his years."</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUsr56LPOFf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUsr56LPOFf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>The new album celebrates the legendary music of Cole Porter, </span>bringing Bennett and Gaga together for another collaboration. </p> <p><span>In 2011, they recorded the song <em>The Lady is a Tramp</em>, and three years later they released a collaborative album entitled </span><em><span>Cheek to Cheek</span></em><span>.</span></p> <p><span>Tony Bennett's latest world record is not the first time the singer has appeared in the Guinness books. </span></p> <p><span>Throughout his 70-year </span>career, he holds four other records:</p> <ul> <li><span>Oldest person to reach No.1 on the US album chart with a newly recorded album for </span><em><span>Cheek to Cheek</span></em><span>.</span></li> <li><span>Longest time between UK top 20 albums: 39 years.</span></li> <li><span>Oldest person to enter the UK top 20 album chart with </span><em><span>Duets: An American Classic</span></em><span> when he was 80.</span></li> <li><span>Longest time between the release of an original recording and a re-recording of the same single by the same artist.</span></li> </ul> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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World’s deepest pool opens in Dubai

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dubai, home to the world’s tallest skyscraper and largest mall, has recently welcomed another record-breaking attraction - the deepest dive pool in the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A new pool that is 60 metres deep and filled with 14 million litres of fresh water - equivalent to six Olympic swimming pools - opened on June 29 by invitation only as part of the Deep Dive Dubai attraction. The pool will be open to the general public later this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pool also holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving, taking the record from Poland’s 45-metre-deep Deepspot pool.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pool will feature two underwater habitats with a dry chamber at six and 21-metres deep, 56 underwater cameras, and advanced sound and mood lighting systems.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The attraction will also include a ‘sunken city’, with an abandoned streetscape and an apartment, garage, arcade and more that divers of all levels can explore.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Its first visitors have included movie star Will Smith, who shared a video of his visit to the pool on Instagram.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRCKVIfB-br/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRCKVIfB-br/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So I’m always in Dubai, and a friend of mine told me I have to check out this pool. There’s something weird about it. Deep Dive Dubai, I’m about to go down. The deepest pool on Earth, 200 feet deep. Madness,” Smith said in the video.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The diving complex also offers courses for diving beginners and certified divers, as well as a restaurant equipped with windows and TV screens where non-diving family and friends can watch the divers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The depth of the pool has prompted Deep Dive Dubai to post a notice on </span><a href="http://www.deepdivedubai.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">its website</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> discouraging visitors from seeing the city’s famous Burj Khalifa after diving.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Don’t visit the top of the skyscraper after diving,” the notice read.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“After any dive, it’s recommended to wait 18-24 hours before ascending higher than 300 metres. However, there is no risk in diving after having visited the tallest building in the world.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: Deep Dive Dubai</span></em></p>

International Travel

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How the Queen came to hold 7 Guinness World Records

<p>It’s been 68 years since Queen Elizabeth II took over the British throne, and ever since, the 94-year-old monarch has made history many times over.</p> <p>Among her many accomplishments are Guinness World Record titles, which the Queen holds quite a few of.</p> <p>From longest-reigning queen to the wealthiest, here are some of the Queen’s Guinness World Records.</p> <p><strong>Oldest British Queen</strong></p> <p>On 21 December 2007, Queen Elizabeth II was given the title of oldest British queen at the age of 81 and 244 days old.</p> <p>The record was previously held by the monarch’s great, great grandmother, Queen Victoria.</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth succeeded to the throne on 6 February 1952 following the death of her father King George VI.</p> <p>Her reign surpassed Queen Victoria’s on 9 September 2015, after ruling for over 63 years.</p> <p>As of the Queen’s 94th birthday on 21 April 2020, she has ruled uninterrupted for 68 years and 75 days.</p> <p><strong>Oldest current monarch</strong></p> <p>In 2015, Queen Elizabeth became the world’s oldest monarch when the former title holder, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, died at the age of 90.</p> <p><strong>Longest-reigning living monarch</strong></p> <p>While the Queen currently is the fourth-longest reigning monarch in the world, she does hold the title of the longest-reigning living monarch.</p> <p>The top three longest-reigning monarchs include King Louis XIV of France, who ruled for 72 years and 110 days, followed by Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ruled for 70 years and 126 days and King Johann II of Liechtenstein, who was ruler for 70 years and 91 days.</p> <p><strong>Most countries to be head of state simultaneously</strong></p> <p>The Guinness World Records revealed Queen Elizabeth holds the record “in terms of the number of independent nations for which the same person is lawfully Head of State at the same time” with 16.</p> <p>Acknowledging that this makes her “possibly the most powerful woman in the world,” the book of records states: “While the Queen's role is nominal and ceremonial (exercising no political powers), more than 139m people in 15 Commonwealth states (plus the UK) recognise her as their monarch.”</p> <p><strong>Most currencies featuring the same individual</strong></p> <p>Queen Elizabeth’s profile is featured on the coinage of at least 35 different countries, while Queen Victoria’s image appeared on currency from 21 countries and King George V appeared on 19.</p> <p><strong>Wealthiest Queen</strong></p> <p>In 2012,<span> </span><em>The Sunday Times</em><span> </span>estimated the Queen’s total wealth including fine art, jewellery and property, to be £310m (AUD 579m).</p>

Books

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World’s oldest man at 112 reveals secrets for a long life

<p>A retired Japanese farmer was named the world’s oldest man on the 12th of February 2020 at the age of 112 years and 344 days.</p> <p>Grinning Chitetsu Watanabe was given a certificate by the Guinness World Records at his care home in Niigata, the city in northern Japan where he was born in in 1907.</p> <p>The father of five was thrilled with his award and says he still has his sweet tooth despite not having any. He also loves custard pudding and cream puffs as they don’t need to be chewed.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WCGWuH51Irk"></iframe></div> <p>Chitetsu returned to his home town after 18 years in Taiwan, where four out of five of their children were born there. Taiwan was also where he married his wife, Mitsue.</p> <p>According to Yoko Watanabe, wife off Tetsuo, the first son of Chitetsu, moving back was the one of the most difficult times for the family.</p> <p>"Both Chitetsu and Tetsuo told me that getting to places and sourcing food was a struggle. Having to live under that circumstance with four young children must have been tough", Yoko said to the<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2020/2/japans-chitetsu-watanabe-confirmed-as-the-worlds-oldest-man-living-at-112-years-607687?fbclid=IwAR0UfHi2am1kCSihd9LnxAuCoTWWQ9uVPHDBXm6dykE8JeG5ZbQgVEN2NNw" target="_blank">Guinness World Records.</a></em></p> <p>However, Chitetsu hasn’t let anything get him down in his long life. When he spoke to a local paper, he explained that the secret to his long life was “not to get angry and keep a smile on your face”.</p> <p>Yoko explained his temperament to the local paper.</p> <p>"I've lived together with him for over 50 years, and I've never seen him raise his voice or get mad,” she said.</p> <p>“He's also caring. When I was working on my patchwork hobby, he was the one who praised my work the most. I think having lived with a big family under one roof, mingling with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren helped keep a smile on his face as well."</p> <p>Chitetsu now lives in a rest home and is not as active as he was before. However, up until last summer, his daily activity included exercises as a part of rehabilitation, origami, calligraphy and math exercises.</p> <p>He is just four years shy of the record for the oldest man ever, which was held by Jiroemon Kimaru who was born on 19th April 1897 and passed away at the age of 116 and 54 days on the 12th of June 2013</p>

Retirement Life

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Guinness World Records: Meet the world’s oldest living person aged 116

<p>A 116-year-old Japanese woman has been given the title of the world’s oldest living person by Guinness World Records on Saturday.</p> <p>Residing in a nursing home in Japan’s southwest, Kane Tanaka enjoys playing the board game Othello and studying mathematics.</p> <p>In a ceremony, which took place at the nursing home, Ms Tanaka was officially bestowed the title in front of her family and the mayor.</p> <p>Ms Tanaka was born on January 2, 1903 and was the seventh of eight children.</p> <p>In 1922 she married Hideo Tanaka, with the pair having four children together and adopting another.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">WORLD’S OLDEST PERSON: 116-year-old Kane Tanaka was honored Saturday as the world's oldest living person by Guinness World Records. She says it's been a dream of hers since she was 100 ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/NOo501hdHz">https://t.co/NOo501hdHz</a> <a href="https://t.co/BVfxXfxhX0">pic.twitter.com/BVfxXfxhX0</a></p> — CBS News (@CBSNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSNews/status/1104456895174270976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Holding the title previously was Chiyo Miyako, also from Japan. She passed away in July at the age of 117. The oldest person to break the record before Miyako was also Japanese, with the region’s healthy lifestyle contributing to their long life.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Our new oldest person living record holder Kane Tanaka (116) was given a box of chocolates as a gift today at the certificate presentation - she immediately ate them!<br />Later when she was asked how many chocolates she wants to eat today, she said "100" 😄🍫 <a href="https://t.co/rgrgP0JcRp">https://t.co/rgrgP0JcRp</a> <a href="https://t.co/T48UWK562k">pic.twitter.com/T48UWK562k</a></p> — GuinnessWorldRecords (@GWR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GWR/status/1104295628459462659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>The nation is known to consume plenty of fish, rice, vegetables and other low-fat foods, with many of the elderly remaining active into their 80s and beyond.</p> <p>But despite the impressive milestone, Ms Tanaka still has a long way to go if she hopes to beat the oldest person to ever exist – French woman, Jeanne Louise Calment who was 122 years when she died.</p> <p>Guinness said the world’s oldest man is currently being investigated, as the man who was previously going to be given the title passed away in January at 113.</p> <p>Masazo Nonaka, also Japanese, enjoyed devouring sweets and was never seen without his trademark knit beanie.</p> <p>His retirement was spent watching sumo wrestling on TV, reading the daily news and eating plenty of desserts.</p> <p>According to his family, Mr Nonaka’s long life was credited to his stress-free lifestyle.</p> <p>He managed to outlive all of his siblings, his wife and also three of their five children.</p> <p>Would you want to live past 100? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

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120-year-old great-grandmother claims to be world’s oldest person

<p>This Russian great-grandmother is taking the so-called “world’s oldest living person” to task, claiming she’s about 3 years older than the current record-holder, 116-year-old Italian <a href="/news/news/2016/05/worlds-oldest-woman-says-secret-to-long-life-staying-single/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Emma Morano</strong></span></a>.</p> <p>Claiming to have been born in 1896, Tanzilya Bisembeyeva has survived the Russian Revolution, both World Wars and two husbands, all the while working for six decades in the fields. Her family claims the secret to her longevity is: “She never sits still, doesn't smoke and eats only organic produce.”</p> <p><img width="500" height="364" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/21144/oldintext_500x364.jpg" alt="Oldintext"/></p> <p>Bisembeyeva had her first son during World War II, but he sadly did not survive past infancy. She had another child at the age of 53 with her second husband, and two more followed. She has 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, according to <a href="http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/120-year-old-russian-makes-it-to-the-record-books/569332.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Moscow Times</span></strong></em></a>.</p> <p>If her claims are true, the 120-year-old will enter the record books as the second oldest person in living memory, after Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment died in 1997 at the age of 122.</p> <p>Who’s the oldest person you’ve ever known? Tell us about them in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/05/5-traits-linked-to-long-life/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 personality traits of those who live longer</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/05/worlds-oldest-woman-says-secret-to-long-life-staying-single/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>World’s oldest woman has surprising secret to living to 116</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/05/91-year-old-shares-advice-for-staying-young-at-heart/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>91-year-old shares advice for staying young at heart</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Chocolate Guinness cake

<p>Rich, decadent and with a cream cheese frosting that looks just like the foamy head of a pint of Guinness, this chocolate Guinness cake will be the star at any table.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>1 cup Guinness</li> <li>125g unsalted butter, cubed</li> <li>¾ cup cocoa powder</li> <li>2 eggs, beaten</li> <li>2/3 cup sour cream</li> <li>1 tablespoon vanilla extract</li> <li>2 cups caster sugar</li> <li>1 ½ cup plain flour</li> <li>2 teaspoons bicarb soda</li> </ul> <p><em>For the topping</em></p> <ul> <li>250g cream cheese</li> <li>1 cup icing sugar</li> <li>½ cup whipping cream</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Method:</strong><br /> </span></p> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 23cm springform tin.</li> <li>In a saucepan, heat the Guinness over medium to high heat. Add cubes of butter and heat until butter is melted. Remove pan from heat and whisk in the cocoa and sugar.</li> <li>Combine the sour cream, eggs and vanilla. Whisk well and pour into the beer mixture. Whisk in the flour and bicarb soda until mixture is smooth.</li> <li>Pour the cake batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool completely on a wire rack.</li> <li>To make the icing, whip the cream cheese until fluffy. Sieve in icing sugar and add cream into mixture. Beat until smooth, but do not over-beat.</li> <li>Remove cake from pan. Ice the top a cake so it looks like the top of a frothy beer. Serve.</li> </ol> <p><strong><em>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</span></a>.</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/lemon-blueberry-muffins/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lemon blueberry muffins</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/apple-and-cinnamon-mug-cake/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5-minute apple and cinnamon mug cake</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/apple-and-blueberry-yogurt-bars/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Apple and blueberry yogurt bars</span></em></strong></a></p>

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World’s oldest message in a bottle recovered

<p>108 years after it was first released, the world’s oldest message in a bottle has been recovered. But rather than an SOS from some unlucky sailor, this message in a bottle was actually part of a science experiment that helped us understand ocean currents.</p> <p>The bottle was discovered by retired post office worker Marianne Winkley, on the shores of Amrum, which is a relatively small island in the German North Sea.</p> <p><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/18509/message-in-a-bottle_497x280.jpg" alt="Message In A Bottle" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>The bottle was originally released as part of an experiment from the British marine biologist George Parker Bidder III, who at the turn of the 20th century set over 1,000 bottles loose off the eastern shores of England to see where they would travel.</p> <p>The message inside contained clear instructions to return the included postcard, along with a description of where they found it, to the Marine Biological Association.</p> <p>Guinness World Records confirmed that this bottle was from the original experiment, after spending 108 years at sea.</p> <p>Communications Officer at Marine Biological Association, Guy Baker said, “Bidder released a total of 1020 bottles between 1904 and 1906 and he reported that his bottles were trawled up by the fishermen at the rate of 55% per annum. Some bottles were never returned, assumed to be lost in the open ocean forever. The bottle discovered in Germany was from a set of trails released on the November 30th 1906.”</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/vintage-photos-capture-pure-innocence-of-children/">Vintage photos capture the pure innocence of children</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/how-to-bring-up-a-happy-child/">22 tips for bringing up a happy child</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/heartwarming-photos-that-prove-every-child-needs-a-pet/">15 heartwarming photos that prove every child needs a pet</a></em></strong></span></p>

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The world’s longest-lasting set of hip replacements

<p>Norman Sharp, a 91-year-old from England, has been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as possessing the world’s longest-lasting set of hip replacements.</p> <p>Mr Sharp was just 23 when he underwent the then-ground breaking procedure, and the 67-year-old hips have remained in place ever since without any revisions. </p> <p>Mr Sharp's hips are made of an alloy called vitallium, and were implanted by orthopaedic surgeon Philip Newman, in what many consider to be the first procedure of its kind.</p> <p><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/18033/pay-norman-sharp_500x333.jpg" alt="PAY-Norman -Sharp" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>“It was a brand spanking new job. I was the first patient of Mr Newman to get these and he had the courage to try them out on me,” Mr Sharp told the <em>Wiltshire Times</em>.</p> <p>“A lot of the other doctors were critical of him. I’m thrilled to think I was part of that initial pioneering work. To think other people have benefitted from the experience they gained from working on me. I’m thrilled to pieces that I have been part of it and am so grateful to the doctors for having the courage to go ahead.”</p> <p>Mr Sharp’s hips have been described “as a testament to the skill of surgeon and the standard of engineering at the time”.</p> <p>“It’s not what I’ve achieved, it’s what the RNOH has achieved and, in particular, what Mr Newman achieved to give me these hips that have lasted all these years," Mr Sharp added.</p> <p>"It’s amazing now, as some of the modern hips now only last 10-15 years. I was just lucky perhaps. I rode motorbikes and went dancing – I made good use of them.”</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/health/body/2016/03/diets-over-detoxes/"><em><strong>Detox versus diet: which one is best?</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/health/body/2016/03/tricks-to-beat-the-bulge/"><em><strong>Simple tricks to beat the bulge</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/health/body/2016/03/struggling-to-lose-weight/"><em><strong>5 reasons why you may be struggling to lose weight</strong></em></a></span></p>

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Why has this panda broken a Guinness World Record?

<p>Last week was a special day for Jia Jia, a beloved panda living at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park. Not only did she celebrate her 37th birthday (which is 111 in human years!), she also became the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest panda in captivity.</p> <p>The average lifespan of a giant panda in the wild is 18 to 20 years, while in captivity it is around 30 years. Jia Jia’s milestone was celebrated with a giant birthday cake made out of ice and vegetables.</p> <p><img width="582" height="388" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/worlds-olderst-panda-celebrates-37th-birthday-4.jpg" alt="worlds-olderst-panda-celebrates-37th-birthday-4" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-261128"/></p> <p><img width="582" height="227" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/worlds-oldest-panda-celebrates-37th-birthday-and-sets-guinness-world-record-10.jpg" alt="worlds-oldest-panda-celebrates-37th-birthday-and-sets-guinness-world-record-10" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-261165"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/07/dreamworld-baby-tiger/">Meet Dreamworld’s new baby tiger</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/07/deer-sounds-bizarre/">You won’t believe what deer sound like when they scream</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/07/humpback-whale-sydney/">Humpback jumps out of water and entertains onlookers in Sydney</a></em></strong></span></p>

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