America's Oldest Person Just Turned 116 – Here's What Science Says About How to Live That Long
Researchers say genes may explain up to 50% of lifespan differences, while Whitehead’s birthday drew about 80 to 90 relatives and guests.
- On Sunday, Naomi Whitehead celebrated her 116th birthday in Greenville, Pennsylvania, marking a milestone as the oldest living American and second-oldest person globally, according to LongeviQuest.
- Scientists study centenarians to unlock longevity secrets; research published in Science suggests genes may explain up to 50 percent of variability in human lifespans, with genetic influence growing stronger as people age into their 90s and 110s.
- About 80 to 90 family members attended the reunion wearing matching blue shirts with a gold "116." When asked her age, Whitehead replied, "I think I'm 116," prompting cheers from the crowd.
- Researchers have identified rare genetic variants in those living past 110 associated with healthy heart and brain function. Studies show these individuals have 33 percent lower cardiovascular disease risk and 32 percent lower hypertension risk.
- Experts caution that genomes are not crystal balls; despite beneficial genetic variants, lifestyle choices and external factors ultimately determine whether an individual reaches such an exceptional age.
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13 Articles
Naomi Whitehead recently celebrated her 116th birthday, making her the oldest American, about the secret of her longevity.
Naomi Whitehead turned 116 on September 26 and continues to be the oldest known living person in the United States. The American woman, who resides in...
aljazeera.net
sawaleif.comNaomi Whitehead lived to be 116, but her story is not just an exceptional number, as recent research reveals how genes, lifestyle, and environment intertwine in the making of longevity, and why the secret of centenarians still lacks a single, sure recipe.
America's Oldest Person Just Turned 116 – Here's What Science Says About How to Live That Long
Naomi Whitehead on her 114th birthday in 2024. (Superlongevity Wiki) Exceptional.ScienceAlert stories are written, fact-checked, and edited by humans, never generated by AI. Don't miss a story, subscribe here.
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