The world’s oldest people make up an interesting club. These are people who have made it to 100 or beyond and have a lot to tell us about life, longevity and healthy aging. I especially like learning about the history their lives have covered. Here are a few profiles of the world’s oldest people.
Myrtle Jones, South Africa's Oldest Person (Age 111)
Myrtle Jones was South Africa’s oldest person when she died at age 111 (in 2009). She was born in 1897 in colonial Victoria and moved to South Africa in 1948. She had 27 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. She loved to bake, never drove a car and lived independently until she was 109. Relatives talked about her sense of humor and good memory. She saw Halley’s Comet twice (in 1910 and 1986). Her advice, “An apple keeps the doctor away. An onion a day keeps the cold away.” She did not smoke or drink.(Source: AdelaideNow)
Busten Martin, World's Oldest Runner
Buster Martin, world’s oldest marathon runner. Buster Martin was born in 1906 and was training for marathons in 2008 (at the age of 102). He worked until age 97, retired and got a new job after a few years because he was bored in retirement. When he ran a half-marathon (at a record age) he finished in just over 5 hours (including a stop for a beer and a cigarette).Methuselah
Methuselah is reported, in the Bible, to have lived 969 years. That is a rather extraordinary claim and would easily make Methuselah the longest lived person ever. Is there any truth to the 969 year claim? I won’t get into it, but there are a few theories that try to explain that number including some who think that people were counting months instead of years (making Methuselah 80 instead of 969) and that things (including God-granted longevity) were just different in Biblical times.Beatrise Farve - Second Oldest Person (age 113)
Beatrice Farve held the title of “second oldest person in the world when she died in 2008 at the age of 113. She had lived in the same house since she was 21 (that’s 92 years). Her daughter described her as a “soft, smiling lady” who was healthy her whole life. She lived in Georgia, USA, and was selling beauty products at age 100. Known as “Mama B” she never took any medications and had no known health conditions. Her philosophy, according to her grandson, was “work hard and eat a good breakfast.” In her case, the breakfast consisted of fried bananas and bacon, daily.(Source: The Sun Herald)
Maria de Jesus - World's Oldest Person (age 115)
Maria de Jesus held the title of “world’s oldest person” in 2009 with an age of 115. She lived in Portugal and was born in 1893. She grew up poor and lost sight in one eye as a child. She worked in the fields at age 12, never learned to read (so much for the education – life expectancy link). At 57, she was widowed (and remained so for 58 more years). She has 6 children, 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was never sick and was not taking any medication.(Source: LA Times)
Euphemia Cameron - Scotish Centenarian
Euphemia Cameron turned 100 in 2009. She lives in Dumfries, Scotland. She was a signaler during World War II as a member of the Woman’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She celebrated her 100th birthday by being pampered at the salon and says her longevity secret is “I just like to keep active. I don’t like to sit about, I keep myself busy. I don’t know what a hobby is – I’m far too busy!”(Source: Dumfries and Galloway Standard)
