AJACCIO, CORSICA — Yvonne Francier, the oldest Belgian woman, celebrated her 112th birthday on the French island of Corsica, the Belga News Agency reported on Monday.
Born in late February 1913 in Anderlecht, Belgium, Francier marked the milestone surrounded by family and close friends in Ajaccio, where she has resided for over five decades.
Anthony Croes-Lacroix, the Belgian correspondent for the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO), confirmed Francier’s status as Belgium’s oldest living woman.
According to the ESO, which tracks individuals aged 110 and above across Europe, Francier’s longevity makes her one of the oldest people on the continent.
Francier’s journey began in Anderlecht, a municipality in the Brussels-Capital Region, where she spent her early years. She married and built a life in Belgium until 1970 when she moved to Corsica following her husband’s death.
Since then, Francier has embraced life on the Mediterranean island, maintaining an active lifestyle and a close-knit circle of companions.
Croes-Lacroix highlighted Francier’s remarkable vitality and sharpness, noting her fondness for recounting stories of her youth and the immense changes she has witnessed throughout her life.
“She has seen two world wars, the dawn of the digital age, and countless transformations in Europe. Her memory is still incredibly vivid,” Croes-Lacroix remarked.
While Francier holds the title of the oldest Belgian woman, the oldest living Belgian residing in the country is Denise Waelbers, 109, from Mortsel in Antwerp.
Waelbers, who reached the age of 109 earlier this year, has also been recognized by local authorities for her longevity. Meanwhile, the title of Belgium’s oldest man belongs to Alfons Declerck, a 107-year-old resident of Ostend.
Francier’s remarkable age places her within an exclusive group of supercentenarians—individuals who have lived beyond 110 years.
Belgium has seen a gradual rise in the number of supercentenarians in recent years, a trend attributed to improved healthcare, nutrition, and living standards.
The ESO, in collaboration with Belgian demographic researchers, continues to document and verify such cases to better understand the factors contributing to exceptional longevity.
As she entered her 113th year, Francier celebrated quietly but joyfully, expressing gratitude for the care and support she receives. Though her mobility is limited, her spirit remains unbroken, with family members describing her as “resilient and cheerful.”
Francier’s story has sparked curiosity among longevity researchers, who are keen to understand the secrets behind her extended lifespan. While genetics play a significant role, lifestyle factors such as a balanced diet, a positive outlook, and strong social connections are believed to contribute to her remarkable longevity.
For now, Yvonne Francier continues to inspire both her family and the broader community with her endurance and zest for life, proving that age is truly just a number.
