World’s oldest person celebrates 116th birthday in New York City

Susannah Mushatt Jones, the daughter of sharecroppers and granddaughter of slaves, celebrated her 116th birthday on Monday in New York. Jones marked the occasion privately with family but a public celebration is planned for Tuesday. Jones was born in Alabama in 1899 and after graduating from high school moved north in 1922 to New Jersey and then New York, where she worked as a housekeeper and childcare provider. Jones, who retired in 1965, says lots of sleep is the secret to her longevity, Guinness said in confirming her status as the oldest living person.

I never drink or smoke. I surround myself with love and positive energy. That’s the key to long life and happiness.

Susannah Jones

Jones inherited the title of world’s oldest living person after the June 17 death of Jeralean Talley, who was 116, in Michigan. She is the third consecutive American to hold the title of world’s oldest person. The world’s second oldest person is Emma Morano-Martinuzzi, a 115-year-old woman living in Italy, according to the Gerontology Research Group.

Susannah Mushatt Jones Health