Elizabeth Francis, born in 1909, has become the oldest living person in the United States. The 114-year-old Louisiana native, who moved to Texas in 1920, inherited the title following the recent passing of 116-year-old Edie Ceccarelli. Francis has been residing with her 94-year-old daughter, Dorothy Williams, since 1999.
Despite being bedbound and experiencing some memory issues, Francis remains mentally sharp and recognizes her family. During a visit by researchers from LongeviQuest for her 114th birthday in July, she engaged with visitors for an impressive four hours. While she attributes her longevity to her “good Lord,” her family believes certain lifestyle factors have played a role.
Francis’s granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, shared that her grandmother’s healthy habits included regular walks and abstaining from smoking or drinking alcohol until her 90s. Francis also maintained a nutritious diet by cooking with vegetables from her garden, such as collard greens, mustard greens, carrots, and okra, and avoided fast food.
Harrison emphasized the importance of family time, stating that they are “always doing things together as a family unit.” Research suggests that strong relationships and socializing contribute to a longer, healthier life.
Despite being a single mother, Francis exhibited a strong work ethic, continuing to perform domestic tasks to support her family even after retirement. LongeviQuest researchers noted that many supercentenarians, including Francis, worked as long as possible. A 2016 study also found a correlation between early retirement and an increased risk of death.
