1103World’s oldest living person celebrates 117th birthdayAP Photo XAC106, XAC116, XAC107, XAC105, XAC110, XAC115

VERBANIA, Italy — Italy’s Emma Morano, the world’s oldest person, marked her 117th birthday Tuesday, blowing out all the candles on her cake.

Beaming at the attention, Morano took in the festivities for her milestone celebration sitting in her apartment in the northern town of Verbania, joined by her two elderly nieces, a pair of caregivers and her long-time physician.

She received a greeting from Italy’s president, read by an official, wishing her “serenity and good healthy,” and appeared for a brief live broadcast on state-run television. She happily accepted some gifts, including her favorite cookies, which she ate with some milk.

Then she blew out the candles on her cake – not one for every year, but three numerals to show her age, 117 – and quipped: “I hope I don’t have to cut it!”

To the assembled well-wishers, Morano said, “I am happy to turn 117.”

Another party, including a visit from the mayor and another cake, was planned for the afternoon, after a nap.

Morano is believed to be the last surviving person born in the 1800s.