America’s Oldest Citizen Just Turned 115; Has Longevity Advice

Jeralean Talley, who turned 115 Friday, can be a model for the rest of us.

The Gerontology Research Group keeps a record of the validated longest-living people in the world. According to the GRG, Misao Okawa, who is 116 and lives in Japan, is the oldest living person. Talley is a close second.

Talley lives in Inkster, Mich. but was born Jeralean Kurtz in Montrose, Ga. She lived on a farm where she picked cotton and peanuts, according to Time. She moved to Michigan in 1935 and married her husband, Alfred Talley, in 1936. The two were together 52 years before he died.

“Mother Talley,” as some call her, has some wisdom to share.

• Follow the Golden Rule.

• Always have a sense of humor.

• Keep active.

• But don’t be afraid to occasionally indulge.

• Have strong beliefs.

• Surround yourself with loved ones.

• Be humble, and act wisely.

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