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Evdokiya VishimirskayaThe oldest inhabitant of the planet
Country:
 Ukraine |
Content:
- The Oldest Person on Earth - Evdokia Vyshimirskaya
- A Life in Kamianka
- A Love Story and a Tragic Loss
- The Secret to Longevity
- A Life Filled with Food and Farming
- A Remarkable Sense of Humor
- The Legacy of Yavdokha
- Conclusion
The Oldest Person on Earth - Evdokia Vyshimirskaya
Evdokia Vyshimirskaya, a 114-year-old Ukrainian woman, is the oldest person on the planet. Born in 1890, she has lived through three centuries, including the Civil War and two world wars. Despite facing many challenges, she has managed to outlive her children and grandchildren. Unlike others her age, Evdokia remains lively, enjoying a drink of vodka and tending to her garden. She is also known for her exceptional skills in embroidery, being considered the best embroiderer in the Cherkasy region and its surrounding areas. Her story is part of a series by "Izvestiya" about extraordinary individuals who defy all odds.
A Life in Kamianka
Evdokia, known as Yavdokha to the locals, currently resides in the town of Kamianka. Kamianka is a place where people live close to nature, with their fields and gardens. Yavdokha's home is a veranda in a private house, where she can see the sun and the entire yard. Her relatives, including a grandson and a great-grandson, live with her and take care of her needs. Yavdokha, being slightly hard of hearing, gives instructions easily, as she doesn't hear any objections. She has had no major illnesses and has never been to the hospital or seen a doctor. She believes that speaking her mind is what has kept her alive.
A Love Story and a Tragic Loss
Yavdokha's love life had its share of ups and downs. She wanted to marry a man named Yukhim, but her parents didn't approve. This story from 1910 still bothers her: "I tried to convince my parents that Yukhim was a respectable gentleman, but they refused. It broke my heart, and I decided not to get married at all." Yavdokha kept her word for 39 years. Then a fortune teller told her that she had a widower looking after her. That very moment, Yavdokha's friend introduced her to Mark, a widower who had lost his wife. Mark asked Yavdokha's father for her hand in marriage, not realizing that Yavdokha was the woman in question. Yavdokha's appearance has always been deceiving: at 40, she looked 20, and at 100, she looked 70.
The Secret to Longevity
Yavdokha is known for her love of alcohol. She enjoys vodka like a divine elixir, savoring every sip. She didn't have the opportunity to drink vodka in her youth, as her parents believed it wasn't appropriate for children. Now that she's over 30, she feels entitled to enjoy it. Yavdokha claims that the moonshine being produced nowadays is not the same as before. She believes it should be made from beets and molasses, not sugar. She attributes her ability to handle alcohol to her love for Siberian dumplings, which she affectionately calls "galushki with meat." She eats them in large quantities until her body can't handle anymore.
A Life Filled with Food and Farming
Food and farming have always been a priority for Yavdokha. She had oxen, cows, chickens, and pigs, and she raised four children. She married Mark because he had a large farm and a house with a metal roof, which made her feel like the mistress of a copper mountain. Despite her hardships, Yavdokha always had a positive outlook on life. She has experienced both abundance and scarcity, surviving the famine of 1933 because her father protected the collective farm's fields. In the 1950s, she managed to save her grain from the authorities. In the 1990s, she made a fortune by trading vouchers. Yavdokha has always been resourceful and resilient.
A Remarkable Sense of Humor
Yavdokha is known for her sharp sense of humor. Even at the age of 114, she continues to make jokes and see the funny side of life. Her family describes her as the oldest and most loyal person in the world. Despite the losses she has endured, including the death of her loved ones, Yavdokha remains optimistic. She has witnessed multiple wars, which she refers to as "Nikolaevskaya" and "German." She holds a grudge against the Germans due to their actions during the Second World War. Yavdokha believes that her positive attitude and ability to adapt have contributed to her long life.
The Legacy of Yavdokha
Yavdokha has lived a life filled with ups and downs, love and loss, and a strong connection to her family and her homeland. She has seen the world change and overcome many obstacles. Her life can be compared to a tapestry, woven with red and black threads. While the black threads may dominate, Yavdokha's optimistic character shines through. She continues to be a source of inspiration and joy for her relatives and the community in Kamianka who admire her resilience. Yavdokha's story serves as a reminder that a positive attitude and love for life are key to longevity.
Conclusion
The story of Evdokia Vyshimirskaya, the oldest person on Earth, is a testament to the power of resilience and optimism. Despite living through challenging times, she remains vibrant and full of life. Her love for vodka, embroidery, and farming has been a source of joy and purpose throughout her long life. Yavdokha's story is a reminder that age is just a number and that a positive outlook on life can make all the difference.
