World's Oldest Living Woman

Posted November 1, 2008, 8:25 am


Edna Scott Parker (born April 20, 1893) is an American supercentenarian and currently recognized as the oldest person in the world following the death of Yone Minagawa of Japan on August 13, 2007. She assumed the title at age 114 years, 115 days.

One of only 75 living people (64 women and 11 men) who is 110 or older, scientists are hoping that Edna’s DNA can unlock the “Holy Grail” of longevity.  Two years ago, researchers from the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University took a blood sample from Parker for the group's DNA database of supercentenarians.

Is having a long life a genetic thing? It’s definitely possible. In fact, nearly all centenarians have a sister, mother, or other relative who lived a long life. The same is true for Edna, whose two sisters lived to be 99 and 88. The secret to longevity appears to be a mix of genetics and health habits. Most centenarians appear anxiety-free and tend not to dwell on stressful events.  "We don't know why she's lived so long," said Don Parker, her 59-year-old grandson. "But she's never been a worrier and she's always been a thin person, so maybe that has something to do with it."


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