The secret to longevity has been sought for centuries. What exercises, beverages, foods, and characteristics grant the key to a long life? These five women have a number of secrets worth sharing, after all they are the last living people born in the 1800’s.

These incredible women have seen it all, two World Wars, the Cold War, the first flying airplane, television set, and the Internet. A conversation with any one of them proves delightful, interesting and highly informative.

Women tend to live longer than men. It’s unknown exactly why but theories hint at a couple of different factors, such as estrogen helps protect the heart until after menopause. So while these women do have the upper hand when it comes to living a long life, they clearly have some other tricks up their sleeve.

These 5 charming women live in different parts of the world, but they all seem to agree on the same tricks to a long life: sleep, activity, exercise, and eating good food.

World’s Oldest Living Person, Misao Okawa

116-years-old, Born On March 5, 1898

The Japanese are known for living long lives, but Misao Okawa is the oldest living Japanese person ever. Okawa was married, but has been a widow for the last 83 years, as her husband died in 1931. Her secrets to living a long life: good genes, good sleep, exercise, and sushi. “Eat and sleep and you will live a long time.” Misao told Britain’s Daily Telegraph.

Susannah Mushatt Jones, United States

115-years-old, Born On July 6, 1899

Susannah Mushatt Jones, known as Miss Susie, was born in Alabama to sharecroppers; she was the third oldest of 11 siblings. In 1923, she moved to New York City, where she still lives today.

Susannah presented “Negro Music in France” at her high school graduation, and was awarded a seat at the prestigious Tuskegee Institute. Since her parents could not afford college, she moved to New York instead. Her family says she is a kind woman who has helped many of her family members afford college. Jone’s niece says, “She wants everyone to go to college.”

America’s Oldest Person, Gertrude Weaver

116-years-old, Born On July 4, 1898

Yet another lady on this list born to sharecroppers, Gertrude was married in 1915 and had four children. Only one of her four children is still alive, he is now in his nineties. Weaver’s favorite activities include Bible study, manicures, and “wheelchair dancing.” Weaver told Time, “We chair dance because we can’t get up anymore.”

Europe’s Oldest Living Person, Emma Morano, Italy

115-years-old, Born On November 29, 1899

Emma is the only woman on this list that still lives completely on her own without any assistance. She was the first born out of 8 siblings and remains the only one still alive today. She worked in a jute factory until 1954, at which time she switched occupations and worked in a boarding school kitchen until 75 when she retired.

Morano says her eating habits have helped her live so long, she eats one raw egg and one cooked egg each day, just as the doctor recommended back when she was 20-years-old.

Jeralean Talley, United States

115-years-old, Born On May 23, 1899

Jeralean Talley was born into a difficult life picking cotton and peanuts. In 1935, she moved to Inkster for better economic opportunities. Here she married Alfred Talley, and the two of them had one child. Alfred passed away in 1988 at the ripe old age of 95.

Even without her other half, Jeralean still lives a fun life with her large family. She now lives with her daughter and takes annual fishing trips, and even hits up local casinos. Until she was 105 she remained an active bowler and always mowed her own lawn. That being said, perhaps it’s no surprise that she cites an active lifestyle as the key to longevity.

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