VietNamNet Bridge – Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tru in Da Phuoc Commune, Binh Chanh District in HCM City died on July 12, at the age of 123.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tru. File photo

Tru just celebrated her 123rd birthday in May.

The woman was honored with numerous certificates for her record. At the age of 120, she received a recognition certificate as Vietnam and Asia’s oldest lady from the Vietnam Book of Records and Asia Book of Records.

The World Records Union - Worldkings, based in India, recognized her as the world’s oldest lady when she was 122 and last year, the World Records Association accorded her the same title.

According to documents preserved by Tru’s family, she was born on May 4, 1893 in Can Giuoc District in the southern province of Long An. Although she is absent-minded, hard of hearing and unable to move around, she is still smiling frequently when spoken to.

Tru had three sons and eight daughters, but only two are still living and both are over 80. She lives with 79-year-old Nguyen Thi Ba, her youngest daughter-in-law.

 File photo

According to Ba, the secret to Tru’s longevity is her easy-going and generous character. Her positive thoughts about people help her to lead a peaceful and easy life. Her neighbors attest to her being very sociable and never getting angry with anyone.

Tru’s children recount that she used to be a strong and industrious farmer who used to participate in digging tunnels and supplying food for soldiers in wartime. Working on a farm and living close to nature, most of her diet consisted of vegetables planted in the family’s garden, one explanation for her rarely being ill.

Nguyen Thi De, 82, her eighth daughter, said that she maintained the habit of eating and drinking in moderation until her death.

Tru’s funeralwas held at her home.

VNN/VNS