The oldest-living American is now an 114-year-old woman from Pennsylvania: "I'll live as long as the Lord allows me"
Recently, Naomi Whitehead, a Pennsylvania resident, was named the oldest living American at the age of 114.
Elizabeth Francis passed away last month, making Whitehead the oldest living person in America.
Whitehead, who grew up on a farm, picked cotton and tobacco, she said in an interview with New Castle News last year.
Whitehead didn't consider regular exercise important, but she described her daily intense physical activity as "plowing in the field" in an interview with YouTuber Jack Gordon.
Practicing faith likely helped Whitehead maintain hope during challenging periods in history.
She stated, "You couldn't go anywhere else if you didn't attend church."
At age 114, Whitehead could recite an extended bible verse despite her typically brief responses to Gordon's questions.
In 2023, when Dan Buettner wrote an article for CNBC Make It, he had interviewed over 200 centenarians. Out of these super-agers, only five did not belong to a faith-based community.
Whitehead's advice for those seeking a long life is straightforward: "diligence."
Whitehead attributed her longevity to good genes and engaging in various activities such as cooking, baking, drawing, and listening to music, as reported by AP News.
Whitehead, who married Sylvester Whitehead for five decades, outlived her husband and three sons and has a dozen grandchildren. She chose not to remarry after her husband's passing.
Whitehead told New Castle News that he said if he loved someone, he would never get married again.
Whitehead doesn't have a specific age in mind for her lifespan, but instead said, "I'll live as long as the Lord allows."
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