114-Year-Old Woman is the Oldest Living American
By Leader Staff. Published on 09/14/2009 - 12:23pm
Mary Josephine Ray of New Hampshire claimed the title as the oldest person in the United States after Gertrude Baines of Los Angeles died on Friday.
According to the Gerontology Research Group, which tracks extreme old age, the only person in the world that is known to be older than Ray lives in Japan. Kama Chinen was born on May 10, 1895, just seven days before Ray. As of August 2009, Ray is also considered to be one of the 60 oldest verified people in world history.
When asked what she thought of her long life, Ray said:
"It was so long ago, I don't remember much about it."
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You have to love her response about her long life. She cannot remember some of it. Well, think about it. She has lived to be 57 two times. For most of us, 57 years is not enough But could you handle an extra 57 years? If your health was good during such a long life the extra years would be enjoyable. The problem would be, of course, that all friends and family members would be long gone. You would make new friends but it just wouldn't be the same. casino
I used to think - if your health is good, and you can take care of yourself (don't have to be waited on hand and foot - although by now you've earned it), it would be ok to live a long time. My grandmother is 102, metally sharp as a tack, and physically fairly independent. However time is not always our friend, and to see her struggles, even though she can get around without a walker and is mentally probably more with it than many people half her age, she still does not have many of things she cherishes most.....her friends, siblings, children have gone before her. she loves to garden and clean - these are things that she can no longer do. and drive - she hates having to ask anyone to take her anywhere. new freinds are great, but its just not the same. and memories - they are great too, but being able to share with those who have meant the most to you can never be replaced.