From correspondents in Europe, 08:00 AM IST

Europe's oldest person and the second oldest of the world, Maria de Jesus of Portugal, celebrated her 115th birthday Wednesday, the daily Diario de Noticias reported.

'We are not planning a special celebration, because my mother has become a bit apathetic in relation to her surroundings,' said Maria de Jesus' 84-year-old daughter Maria Madalena, who looks after her in the central Portugal village of Corujo.

Maria de Jesus, who worked in agriculture for seven decades, has always eaten 'what the earth offers,' Maria Madalena said when asked to explain the reasons for her mother's longevity.

Two of Maria de Jesus' six children are still alive.

The world's oldest living person, American Edna Parker, 115, is five months older than Maria de Jesus.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)