Supercentenarians Elizabeth Francis and Okagi Hayashi Pass Away at 115
Recent headlines have marked the passing of two prominent supercentenarians who both died at 115 years old. In October 2024, Houston resident Elizabeth Francis, who was the oldest person in the United States at the time, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family. Her death was followed by that of Japan's oldest person, Okagi Hayashi, in April 2025. These individuals lived through more than a century of immense historical change and served as subjects of scientific interest into the mechanisms of exceptional longevity.
Elizabeth Francis: An American Icon of Longevity
Elizabeth Francis was born on July 25, 1909, in Louisiana, and moved to Houston as a child. She was known in her community as a beloved figure and became America's oldest person in February 2024. Throughout her life, Francis observed pivotal moments in history, including two world wars, the Great Depression, and the Civil Rights Movement. Key details about her life include:
- Long-lived family: Her older sister, Bertha Johnson, also lived to be 106 years old before her passing in 2011.
- Attributed longevity to faith: Francis often credited her long life to her strong faith in God, kindness, and speaking her mind.
- Lifestyle choices: Family noted that she never smoked or drank excessively, enjoyed eating fresh vegetables from her garden, and remained mobile without a wheelchair until nearly age 108.
- Community connections: She was a cherished member of her church and community, frequently visited by relatives, friends, and public figures.
Okagi Hayashi: Japan's Pioneer of Healthy Living
Okagi Hayashi was born on September 2, 1909, in Japan's Gifu Prefecture and passed away from heart failure in April 2025. A former schoolgirl and mother of nine, she was known for her commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle throughout her life. Here are some highlights of her impressive lifespan:
- Active habits: Until her 80s, Hayashi gardened, took hot spring trips with friends, and exercised regularly with her husband.
- Dietary focus: She was an advocate for healthy eating, drinking homemade green juice daily and preparing vegetable-centric meals.
- Mental engagement: Hayashi attended calligraphy classes until her 90s and continued to enjoy completing puzzles and reading newspapers well into her later years.
- Scientific contribution: At her request, her body was donated to medical research to help advance longevity studies.
Factors Influencing Exceptional Longevity
Research into the lives of supercentenarians like Elizabeth Francis and Okagi Hayashi often points to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. While genetics play a significant role, the habits and resilience of these individuals offer valuable lessons for the broader population.
| Factor | How It Contributes to Longevity | Examples from Francis and Hayashi |
|---|---|---|
| Genetics | Protective genetic variants can enhance cellular repair and immune function, delaying age-related diseases. | Both individuals came from families with a predisposition for longevity. Francis had a sister who lived to 106. |
| Diet | Nutritious diets, often plant-based and low in saturated fats, are common among long-lived individuals. | Francis ate fresh vegetables from her garden, while Hayashi consumed a vegetable-centric diet and homemade green juice. |
| Physical Activity | Consistent daily movement, such as walking or gardening, helps maintain physical health and independence. | Hayashi exercised with her husband and gardened; Francis remained mobile into her later years. |
| Social and Mental Well-Being | Strong social connections and a positive outlook reduce stress and inflammation. | Both Francis and Hayashi maintained strong ties to their families and communities. |
| Avoidance of Harmful Habits | Not smoking or abusing alcohol is consistently linked to longer lifespans. | Francis did not smoke and drank only occasionally. Hayashi also avoided smoking and excessive drinking. |
A Deeper Look into the Science of Aging
The passing of a supercentenarian like Okagi Hayashi, who participated in longevity research, provides scientists with a unique opportunity to study the biological mechanisms of extreme old age. These studies can reveal why certain individuals compress morbidity, meaning they delay or escape age-related illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. By understanding the factors that allowed these individuals to remain healthy for so long, researchers hope to develop new strategies for promoting healthy aging for everyone.
Conclusion: Lessons from Lives Well Lived
While the answer to who just died at 115 years old? points to recent obituaries like Elizabeth Francis and Okagi Hayashi, their stories offer more than just an end to a long life. They provide powerful anecdotes and, in some cases, scientific data on the intricate balance of genetics, lifestyle, and mental fortitude that can lead to exceptional longevity. For those interested in pursuing a long and healthy life, their stories highlight the importance of faith, community, healthy eating, and staying active. Their remarkable journeys remind us that age is not just a number, but a testament to a life lived with purpose and resilience.
For more information on the world's oldest people and supercentenarian research, you can explore the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) World Supercentenarian Rankings List.
