Woman aged 111 who’s ‘never been sick’ has three-ingredient drink for breakfast every day

A 111-year-old woman, now Spain’s oldest person, has shared her secret to a long life. 

Angelina Torres Vallbona, who lives in Barcelona, is just two months away from her 112th birthday. She says she has never been sick.

Angelina became the oldest person in Spain after Maria Branyas, aged 117 and the oldest person in the world, passed away last August. The death of 113-year-old Piedad Loriente in November also made Angelina the oldest living person in Spain. 

When asked about her secret, Angelina told EFE news that there’s “no secret” to her long life. She shared that her daily breakfast includes “a glass of water with a few drops of lemon and a teaspoon of sugar.

While sugar has health concerns, lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and anemia. Angelina also used to enjoy long walks and aimed to be “friends with everyone.” 

People around her describe her as an angel, but Angelina disagrees. “I’m no angel; I just get along with everyone,” she said. She added that she feels deeply for others, especially those who struggle, and wishes for everyone to be happy. 

Born on March 18, 1913, in Bellvís, Angelina was one of seven siblings. Her father passed away when she was three, and the family moved to Barcelona. She worked in tie-making and later as an apprentice in a dressmaker’s shop. 

Angelina lived through the Spanish Civil War, which she described as a very difficult time. After the war, she married Josep Martí and had a daughter, Mercè, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she calls “handsome.” She is grateful for spending Christmas with her family and having “a good time.” 

She also recalled seeing the famous Basílica de la Sagrada Família “grow stone by stone” and said it “turned out beautiful.” 

Reflecting on her life, Angelina said she had many friends who loved her, and she spent her days laughing and enjoying her family.