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Your family tree: Who’s the oldest living person?

  • By Aaron
January 23, 2015
Your family tree: Who’s the oldest living person?

How many people alive today can say they’ve lived through two centuries?  Well, five women can put that on their checklist, as they’re the only people born in the 1800s still alive today.

From Japan to the U.S. to Italy, these women have lived through two World Wars, major historical events, and seen the development of technology first-hand.

Misao Okawa from Japan is currently the world’s oldest living person, born in 1898. Last March, she celebrated her 116th birthday! Her secret to a long life? Sushi and sleep!

Misao Okawa, World's oldest living person (Image credit: AP/Kyodo News)

Misao Okawa, World's oldest living person (Image credit: AP/Kyodo News)

Emma Morano, 115, from Italy holds the title for oldest person in Europe. She says her eating habits her doctor gave her in her 20s have helped her live so long.“During the day I eat two eggs – one raw and one cooked – just like the doctor recommended when I was 20 years old.”

Emma Morano, World's oldest European (Image credit: Guiness Book of World Records)

Emma Morano, World's oldest European (Image credit: Guiness Book of World Records)

Gertrude Weaver is the oldest living American, and the second oldest living person in the world at the age of 116. Her highlights of the week are manicures, bible study and a “Sittercise” exercise class where she chair dances three times a week!

Gertrude Weaver, Oldest living American (Image credit: AP/Danny Johnston)

Gertrude Weaver, Oldest living American (Image credit: AP/Danny Johnston)

Older relatives hold a wealth of historic information of the time and place they lived in, which is useful for understanding the lives our ancestors led. They are also a source of family history information with stories, photos and memories to share of their own lives and our ancestors. Check out our tips to uncover their hidden stories to advance your family history research.

Who is the oldest living relative in your family tree? Let us know in the comments below.

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  • Tommy

    January 23, 2015

    My grandmother’s cousin born 27/12-1917

  • Joanne Talbot

    January 24, 2015

    My mother, Lorraine Konkel has a ways to go. She will only be 101 in April 2015. 🙂

  • Brionne

    January 25, 2015

    My mother’s first cousin Annie will be celebrating her 93rd birthday tomorrow! Born in 1922, she has always been a wealth of information to fill in some of the nuances in our family tree.

  • Jan

    January 25, 2015

    Good question! It might be my mom who is only 84 but the previous generation is all gone. Mom was the oldest child in her family but she wasn’t the oldest cousin, however the cousins that come to mind were smokers and died of smoking related causes years ago. I’ll have to do some research.
    As for my dad’s side I’m the oldest in my immediate line–oldest child, oldest cousin–but I have some second cousins that are older. That deserves a look to find out who they are.

  • Sandy

    January 25, 2015

    One parent is now 106 and 3 months.

  • marian bringman tyrrell

    January 26, 2015

    My mother is the oldest family member left on her side of the family and will be 94 on her birthday in August. She attended her granddaughter’s wedding in April and danced all the rest of us under the table. She requested dances she liked and got sons, sons-in-law, daughters and in laws as well as grandchildren, her sister and others out on the floor. Other than a break to get a drink or a bite to eat, she continued all the way to midnight. She was wonderful to watch.

  • Alfred Maesulia

    January 30, 2015

    My uncle Salathiel Tuaboboria will be 110 this March. Born March 5th, 1905. He is still alive and well. His wife is still strong and can walk around without assistance. Only that you have to raise your voice when talking to her. Her age is not know – may be 4 years plus or minus that of her husband. Salathiel can talk and hear without any problem. I interviewed him last Christmas when his children, grand children, great grand children hosted a celebration for him and his wife. The couple have 13 children – 10 females and 3 males – 12 of them are still alive.

  • Marie Campbell

    February 1, 2015

    Agnes La Ronge is the oldest living person in our family she is the daughter of Kate and Ben Gokey.