The World’s Oldest Woman Lived to 117 — And Ate the Same Meal Every Day
Emma Morano, born on November 29, 1899, in Italy, amazed the world by living an extraordinary 117 years, making her one of the oldest verified people in modern history.
She passed away peacefully in 2017 in the town of Verbania, where she had spent her entire life.
As the eldest of eight siblings, Emma outlived them all.
Her remarkable lifespan sparked curiosity worldwide, with many eager to learn her secret to longevity.
Was it good genes, lifestyle, or perhaps something unusual in her diet?
The Secret Behind Her Longevity
Emma credited her long life to good genetics and a very specific diet — something she followed for nearly a century.
For most of her life, Emma ate three eggs every day, two of them raw, along with simple biscuits.
She adopted this unusual habit after being diagnosed with anemia shortly after World War I. In her later years, she reduced it to two eggs per day.
Her doctor, Carlo Bava, who cared for her for 27 years, confirmed that Emma rarely ate fruits or vegetables. Instead, her meals were simple and protein-rich:
“When I met her, she ate three eggs per day—two raw in the morning and then an omelette at noon—with chicken for dinner,” he explained.
Emma also enjoyed the occasional glass of grappa, a strong Italian liquor infused with herbs like sage and rue, often accompanied by grapes.
A Life of Strength and Resilience
Emma’s journey wasn’t always easy. She endured personal tragedy, including the death of her only child in infancy, and an abusive marriage.
In a bold move for her time, Emma left her husband in 1938, stating she didn’t want to be controlled by anyone.
They remained legally married until his death in 1978, but she never remarried.
“I didn’t want to be dominated by anyone,” she once told The New York Times.
Besides diet and resilience, genetics likely played a role: Emma’s mother lived to 91, and several of her siblings lived to 100 or beyond.
Legacy of a Legend
Emma lived through two World Wars, saw more than 90 Italian governments, and witnessed the transformation of modern life from the 19th to the 21st century.
Her story is not just about longevity but about determination, independence, and living life on your own terms.
Would you try eating raw eggs for breakfast if it added years to your life? Share your thoughts and pass this inspiring story along to your family and friends.
