World’s Oldest Person Passes Away at 117

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Maria Branyas Morera, recognised as the world’s oldest person, has passed away peacefully at the age of 117.

Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, California, she lived through two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, and two pandemics. In January 2023, she became the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest living person.

Morera’s family shared her final words on social media, where she was affectionately known as “Super Catalan Grandma.” In her message, she reassured her loved ones not to grieve, expressing that she was ready for the end. She passed away in her sleep, just as she had wished, at the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Spain, where she had lived for 20 years.

Morera’s legacy is cherished by many, as she offered wisdom and kindness throughout her long life.

Her passing leaves Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, age 116, as the current oldest living person.

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SMART Prep | Quick Question 211163

The Kaikōura community garden looked tidy on Saturday morning, but the gardeners knew that did not mean much was happening. Several beds were empty because the seedlings had only been planted two weeks earlier. In one corner, Ms Lee pointed to a row of bean plants whose leaves were curling. ‘Too much wind,’ she said, pulling a low net across the frame. Nearby, a group of younger volunteers spread mulch around the kūmara patch and worked in silence. By lunchtime, the garden still seemed quiet, but the compost bins were full and the rainwater tanks had dropped by half after the long dry week.

What can you infer about the garden’s condition?

  

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