Eleni Baroulaki, revered as Greece’s oldest woman, has died at the at the age of 119 in her home on the island of Crete, local officials have confirmed.
Ms. Baroulaki, who was born in 1905 and spent her life in the small village of Paidochori, near Chania, died late Tuesday.
Her remarkable longevity was shared by her parents, with her father having lived to 107 and her mother to 100, as reported by Haniotika Nea, a local news source.
In a 2019 interview, Ms. Baroulaki attributed her long life to her religious faith and the traditional Cretan diet, rich in vegetables and greens.
Celebrated for its health benefits, the Cretan diet is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine featuring an abundance of fruits and vegetables, beans, pulses, and grains. Olive oil serves as the principal fat, complemented by moderate consumption of wine and raki, and the occasional use of lean red meat.
Local officials honored Ms. Baroulaki in a statement, describing her lifestyle and virtues as exemplary and inspirational for the community.
“Her way of life and her virtues are models for us and an example to follow,” the statement read, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for Ms. Baroulaki’s adherence to a lifestyle that has long been associated with health and vitality.