America's oldest living person reveals key to long life

At 114 years old, Naomi Whitehead is living proof that simple habits can lead to extraordinary longevity.

Whitehead is older than the zipper, tanks, and most other Americans. Born in Georgia on September 26, 1910, Whitehead became the oldest living person in the United States after the previous record-holder, Elizabeth Francis, passed away last month at the age of 115, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Whitehead never anticipated reaching such an age, stating in an interview with New Castle News in 2023: "I'll live as long as the Lord lets me." Reaching the age of 100 is a rare milestone. As of January this year, centenarians made up just 0.03 per cent of the US population, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of US Census Bureau data.

Yet, as average life expectancy rises, there’s increasing interest in how our lifestyle choices can contribute to longevity. Biohackers, such as Bryan Johnson, are even spending vast sums of money in an attempt to extend their lives to Whitehead's age. For Whitehead, however, she attributes her long life to simpler things. 

While genetics likely play a major role, she shared with New Castle News and her grandson, Dan Whitehead, some lifestyle habits that may have helped her reach 114. In an interview with YouTuber Jack Gordon, Whitehead’s top piece of advice for a long life was clear: "Work hard." Having spent years working on a farm, plowing fields and picking cotton and tobacco, she was always active, which she believes played a major part in maintaining her health. 

This advice resonates with that of other centenarians Business Insider has reported on. William, a 101-year-old from Toronto, attributed his long life to having held many different jobs and retiring at the age of 85. A 2023 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who were sedentary throughout the day had a higher likelihood of dying earlier than those who exercised regularly.

"She's a Godly woman," her grandson said. "She is truly blessed." 

Religious faith is another common trait among supercentenarians. Research shows that it can provide both a sense of purpose and a supportive community — two factors linked to longer life. A 2016 study of 74,534 female nurses in the US, aged between 30 and 55, found that those who attended religious services more than once a week were 33 per cent less likely to die prematurely than women who did not attend at all. 

By Naila Huseynova