María de las Mercedes Zuluaga was born in Yarumal, Antioquia, Colombia on 10 February 1915.

Despite living a healthy, peaceful life, she claimed to have “not the slightest idea” for her longevity, stating that only God has the answer to this question.

She has an interest in politics, and has been an active voter for her entire adult life, always voting conservative. She loves music, and enjoys singing the songs her mother sang for her during her childhood.

Zuluaga died on 2 January 2024 in Antioquia, Colombia, at the age of 108 years, 326 days.