Supercentenarian Profile

Józefa Szyda

Born:

1903-03-11

Turek, Greater Poland Voivodeship

Poland

Died:

2013-05-01

Łódź, Łódź Voivodeship

Poland

Józefa Stanisława Szyda was a Polish supercentenarian.

BIOGRAPHY

Józefa Szyda was born in Turek, Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poland (then Russian Empire), on 11 March 1903. She claimed to have been born on 4 March, though her father registered her a few days later. Her sister, Irena, lived to be 100 years and six months old. She had no children. Her husband was a military pilot who was wounded in the spine during World War II. After being shot, he was unable to walk and spent his days at home.

At 108, she described herself as being in good health. She mentioned that her legs sometimes ached and her eyesight was failing, which prevented her from watching TV; instead, she listened to the radio, following the news and mass. At that time, she was cared for by her niece Zosia, Zosia’s husband, and their son. She remained fully aware of current affairs.

Although she no longer had the energy for long walks, she still moved around the house. Her daily routine began at seven in the morning, followed by mass until eight, and then breakfast. She ate the same meals as the rest of the household—soups, vegetables, meat, and fruit—and especially enjoyed bigos. She went to bed regularly by ten at night. Her doctor visited her regularly. At 107, she had a minor cold, but overall, she had no major health problems at 108. She took only a few medications—for circulation, high blood pressure, some tonics, and vitamins.

When asked about the secret to her longevity, she advised going to bed by 10 p.m. and falling asleep quickly. She emphasized the importance of getting plenty of rest, noting that an afternoon nap after dinner was especially important to her.

Józefa Szyda passed away in Łódź, Poland, on 1 May 2013, at the age of 110 years, 51 days.

RECOGNITION

On 18 January 2013, following the passing of Józefa Karczewska, she became the oldest known living person in Poland. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Marianna Mróz (18 September 1903 – 14 May 2013).

Her age has not been validated.