World's oldest living person turns 116
An American woman, said to be the oldest living
person in the world, has celebrated her 116th
birthday.
Jeralean Talley, who was born in Georgia on May
23, 1899, but now lives in Inkster, Michigan
turned 116 on Saturday.
Talley was named the oldest living person in the
world after Gertrude Weaver, an American super-
centenarian died in April.
Talley's birthday celebrations began earlier this
week when she was honoured at the Michigan
Department of Health and Human Services, the
Detroit Free Press reported.
She also received a special birthday message
from US President Barack Obama, according to
the newspaper.
"You are more likely to win the lottery than to
reach this age," said Robert Young with the
Gerontology Research Group, which keeps a list
of the world's oldest people.
Talley has lived an active life, and still goes for
fishing each year.
She gardened and mowed the lawn late into her
life, bowled until she was 104 and still fondly
recalls her last game.
"She's still in her right mind," said Thelma
Holloway, 77, Talley's only child.
Talley has been living in her Michigan home for
decades, though her daughter moved in about six
and a half years ago to help her out.
She gets around on her own with a walker, but
has slowed down, has a hard time hearing and
naps throughout the day.
Talley was born in Montrose, Georgia, and moved
to Michigan in the 1930s.
Her husband of 52 years, Alfred, died in 1988
when he was 95 years old.....