The New Dean of Humanity: Ina Kanabarro Lucas Takes the Title of Oldest Person
The title of humanity’s oldest living person has shifted hands once again. After the death of Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka on December 29, 2024, at the age of 116, the title of “dean of humanity” was officially passed on to 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Kanabarro Lucas. This recognition was officially made public on January 4, 2025, by the Gerontological Research Group and LongeviQuest, two organizations specializing in studying centenarians and longevity.
Inah Kanabarro Lucas: A Life Dedicated to Faith and Service
Inah Kanabarro Lucas was born on June 8, 1908, in San Francisco de Assis, a town in southern Brazil. She is the great-granddaughter of General David Kanabarro, a prominent figure in the War of the Farrapos. As a child, she was frail and delicate, making her longevity even more surprising.
At the age of 18, Ina began her religious life in Uruguay before returning to Brazil to teach Portuguese and mathematics in Rio de Janeiro. Later, as part of the Congregation of Theresian Sisters, she based herself in Porto Alegre. Despite facing challenges such as hearing and vision problems, she maintains a strict daily routine—waking up, eating, praying, and going to bed at fixed times.
Surviving Covid-19 and Embracing Modern Medicine
In 2022, Ina survived Covid-19 and, remarkably, received her first vaccine dose at the age of 112. That same year, she became the oldest living person in Brazil following the death of Antonia de Santa Cruz.
Her nephew, Kleber Vieira Kanabarro Lucas, attributes her extraordinary longevity to her “determination in life, dedication to others, and spirituality.”
Passing the Torch: From Tomiko Itooka to Inah Kanabarro Lucas
Before Ina, the title of the oldest living person was held by Tomiko Itooka, a passionate mountaineer and mother of four. Although both women were 116 years old, Ina now carries the torch as the new record-holder. Her story is one of faith, resilience, and a life well-lived, making her a beacon of inspiration for all.
