World's oldest woman's secret to longevity is eating a good meal and relaxing

The world's oldest woman, who is celebrating her 116th birthday in a Japanese nursing home, has revealed the secret to her longevity.

Misao Okawa, a descendant of kimono merchants in the city of Osaka, western Japan, has revealed that the secret to living a long time is to eat a good meal and relax.

She is in good shape, and is even still gaining weight, according to an employee.

She eats sushi, her favourite, and whatever she likes - beef stew, spaghetti, sashimi every day, the Japan Times reported.

Okawa last year received a certificate from Guinness World Records confirming her status as the oldest living woman.

She was born on March 5, 1898 and married in 1919, having three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.