Deolira Gliceria Pedro da Silva, a great-grandmother from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is being considered for recognition as the world’s oldest living person by Guinness World Records. Born on March 10, 1905, in Porciúncula, a rural town in the state of Rio, Pedro da Silva has exceeded the Brazilian average life expectancy of 76.4 years by over four decades. Currently 119 years old, her family has submitted an application to Guinness World Records, despite challenges posed by the loss of original documents during regional floods nearly 20 years ago. Guinness World Records currently lists Inah Canabarro Lucas, a nun from Rio Grande do Sul, as the oldest living person at 116 years. Medical professionals and researchers, including geriatrician Juair de Abreu Pereira, have expressed confidence in the validity of Pedro da Silva’s claim, citing available documentation and her exceptional health condition for her age.

Studies on Pedro da Silva are contributing to research on Brazil’s super elderly population. Researchers such as Mateus Vidigal from the University of São Paulo are investigating how individuals like Pedro da Silva defy average life expectancy through genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Pedro da Silva’s health is considered remarkable for her age, as she is not on medication and maintains a stable condition under medical supervision. While the application is under review, Pedro da Silva’s story has drawn international attention, offering insights into longevity and the resilience of individuals in regions with lower overall life expectancy. This case underscores the importance of preserving official records to substantiate extraordinary claims.