A New World's Oldest Person

Posted July 15, 2009, 1:05 pm in Aging


She says it's the last thing she ever expected in her life, but Gertrude Baines is about to be given the official title of World's Oldest Living Person.

It's a distinction that belonged to Maria de Jesus, who died Friday in Portugal. She was 115.

Gertrude was born on April 6, 1894. She came to national attention during the recent presidential election. She was interviewed by the LA Times as she cast her vote for Barack Obama, noteworthy not just for her age, but because she is the daughter of two former slaves and had the chance to participate in election of the first black President.

In an interview with CNN, Baines remarked that all she does is eat and sleep! But those around her say she is feisty, alert and very interested in what's going on around her.

The Guinness World Records organization is expected to officially name her World's Oldest Woman after verifying her information.

The Associated Press contacted the Gerontology Research Group at the University of California, Los Angeles to confirm that there are now only 82 women and nine men verified as super centenarians, being 110 or older. Want to meet one? Click here!

To learn more about super centenarians, check out the GB Centenarian Project You'll find video stories, audio interviews and other information that will inspire, amaze and help make sure you increase your chances of living to 100. 

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