Who is the oldest living woman in the US?
As of late September 2025, the oldest known living person in the United States is Naomi Whitehead, a 115-year-old woman residing in Pennsylvania. Born Naomi Washington on a farm in Georgia on September 26, 1910, she has lived through over a century of American and world history. Her life provides a remarkable case study for longevity researchers.
Whitehead has been recognized by organizations that track the world's longest-lived individuals, such as LongeviQuest and the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). She worked on her family's farm in her earlier life and later married Sylvester Whitehead in 1930. She has outlived her husband and all three of her sons.
The stories of other notable supercentenarians
Naomi Whitehead follows a lineage of remarkable American supercentenarians. This group of individuals, who live to be 110 or older, often have unique stories. A notable predecessor was Elizabeth Francis, who previously held the title of the oldest person in the U.S. and passed away in October 2024 at the age of 115. Francis credited her longevity to a diet of fresh, garden-grown foods and speaking her mind. Another former title-holder, Edie Ceccarelli of California, also lived to 116 before her passing in February 2024.
Longevity in these individuals is often attributed to a combination of genetics, healthy lifestyle choices, and sometimes just sheer luck. Their lives offer valuable insights for scientists studying extreme age.
Lifestyle factors that may contribute to longevity
When examining the lives of supercentenarians, certain patterns often emerge. While no single secret has been identified, a combination of factors is believed to play a role. These include:
- Genetics: Many supercentenarians have other long-lived family members.
- Healthy Habits: Abstaining from smoking and heavy drinking, and maintaining a healthy diet are common themes.
- Active Lifestyle: Consistent physical activity has been cited in some cases.
- Resilience and Outlook: Many supercentenarians exhibit a positive outlook. Naomi Whitehead, for instance, has credited her longevity to hard work.
- Social Connections: Strong social ties are often cited as important.
Longevity in the US vs. other countries
Supercentenarians are a global phenomenon. Comparing the demographics of the world's oldest people provides a look into extreme longevity. Below is a comparison of Naomi Whitehead and other notable supercentenarians from around the world.
| Feature | Naomi Whitehead (USA) | Ethel Caterham (UK) | Marie-Rose Tessier (France) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (as of Sep 28, 2025) | 115 years, 2 days | 116 years, 38 days | 115 years, 130 days |
| Birthdate | September 26, 1910 | August 21, 1909 | May 21, 1910 |
| Claim to Fame | Oldest living person in the US | Oldest living person in the UK | One of the world's oldest people |
| Location | Pennsylvania, US | Surrey, England | Pays de la Loire, France |
| Known Lifestyle Factors | Credited hard work; did not smoke or drink. | Lives independently [citation needed] | Not widely detailed, but likely healthy habits [citation needed] |
What is the maximum human lifespan?
The stories of supercentenarians often lead to a discussion about the limits of human life. While no one has surpassed the verified record of Jeanne Calment, who died in 1997 at the age of 122, the existence of so many supercentenarians suggests that more people are reaching these extreme ages. Some scientists believe there is no hard upper limit, while others argue there is a ceiling, possibly around 120-130 years [citation needed]. Advancements in medicine and a better understanding of aging continue to push boundaries.
Life on the farm
Naomi Whitehead's early years spent working on a farm in rural Georgia likely instilled in her a strong work ethic and a simple, physically active lifestyle. This background is a recurring theme among many centenarians and supercentenarians. The lifestyle often involves manual labor, consumption of fresh food, and a close-knit community structure, all believed to have positive effects on health and well-being.
Conclusion
To answer the question, "how old is the oldest lady in America?", the definitive answer as of late 2025 is 115 years old. Naomi Whitehead's life is a testament to the remarkable potential of human longevity. Her story, along with others, highlights the complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and outlook in reaching such an extraordinary age. Researchers continue to study these individuals to understand the secrets to their long and healthy lives. Naomi Whitehead's journey stands as a symbol of endurance and resilience in American history.
The future of longevity
Research into supercentenarians is a growing field. Organizations like the Gerontology Research Group verify and study the lives of the world's oldest people. As life expectancy increases, the number of supercentenarians is also expected to rise. This offers opportunities to understand the aging process and explore extending human healthspans. The focus is shifting from simply living longer to living better for longer, and individuals like Naomi Whitehead are at the forefront of this scientific endeavor.
