Woman Believed to Be the World's Oldest Person Celebrates Her 134th Birthday

A 134-year-old Chinese woman who celebrated her birthday this week may be the world's oldest living woman though there are doubts about the authenticity of this claim.

A woman from China is believed to be the oldest person in the world after marking her 134th birthday this week.

Almihan Seyiti is reportedly the most senior person not only in China but globally though her birth records have yet to verify this.

AN IMPORTANT CELEBRATION

Seyiti, who was allegedly born on June 25, 1886, based on her Chinese ID, was surrounded by family and friends when she celebrated her birthday in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in north-western China, according to a report by Daily Mail.

The widow whose husband died in 1976 has an adopted son and daughter. She outlived her son and now lives with her married daughter.

In spite of living in China, where the COVID-19 outbreak originated, Seyiti managed to survive it and celebrate her milestone birthday.

Seyiti was elegantly dressed in a clip released by New China TV revealing her grand birthday celebration. A crowd sang to the "Happy Birthday" to her while she clapped and her three-tiered cake was wheeled in.

At one point, she was wearing a golden crown while speaking to officials. She reportedly also played a traditional instrument. The centenarian is still in good health, able to see and hear but unable to walk.

DOUBTS OVER "OLDEST WOMAN" CLAIMS

Though Seyiti’s recognition as the oldest living woman in the world has been certified by Shanghai China Records Headquarters, there is still a lot of doubt over the authenticity of this information.

This is especially because there is no available census information dating back to Seyiti’s time of birth. As such, the Guinness World Records still recognizes French woman Jeanne Louise Calment as the world’s oldest person ever who died at the age of 122 in 1997.

BEATING THE COVID-19 ODDS

During these times of grave illnesses, it is pleasant to learn that there are people who live to overcome these dangers. In spite of living in China, where the COVID-19 outbreak originated, Seyiti managed to survive it and celebrate her milestone birthday.

Similarly, a 103-year-old woman from Massachusetts beat the odds when she recovered after contracting the virus.

Jennie Stejna proved age is just a number when she toasted her recovery with a glass of beer after fighting COVID-19 for three weeks. Her family was ready to say goodbye to her when she woke up one day, virus-free.

Women like Seyiti and Stejna are a source of hope for many of us who are much younger and living in fear due to this threat to our mortality. What these women seem to have in common is their zest for living. Seyiti reportedly enjoys crowds while Stejna worked until her 80s and loved her cold beers.

"Golden Girls" star Betty White at the 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in April 2015. | Photo: Getty Images

Another outstanding woman who's doing well in spite of the COVID-19 outbreak is actress Betty White. This 98-year-old legend has taken precautions to keep herself away from the clutches of the pandemic. She is reportedly in good spirits surrounded by her wildlife at home.