Woman of 124 found in Chechnya

The world's oldest person, 124-year-old Zabani Khachukayeva, has been discovered in the war-torn separatist republic of Chechnya.

Ms Khachukayeva is 11 years older than the 113-year-old Japanese silkworm breeder Yukichi Chuganji, declared the world's oldest person last year by Guinness, according to the republic's deputy health minister, Sultan Alimkhadzhiyev.

He told Interfax news agency that doctors believe Ms Khachukayeva may be even older than the age on her passport, but is in comparatively good health despite impaired hearing.

She remains energetic, and has 24 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. A devout Muslim, she prays five times a day.

She has outlived her eldest son, Akhdan, who died two years ago.

© Guardian News & Media 2008
Published: 7/30/2003
 
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