The 5 Surprising Secrets Of America's 114-Year-Old Women: Potatoes, Positivity, And Perseverance

The quest for extreme longevity has captivated humanity for centuries, but as of today, December 12, 2025, the secrets to reaching the exclusive age of 114 are being revealed by two extraordinary American women: Naomi Whitehead and Bonita Gibson. These supercentenarians, both born in the early 1910s, have surpassed the 110-year mark, placing them among the oldest verified people in the world. Their lives offer a fascinating glimpse into history and a compelling, sometimes contradictory, set of "secrets" for a long, vibrant life.

Living through two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the dawn of the digital age, these women represent a rare demographic. Their stories are a testament to human resilience and the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and personal choices in achieving a truly remarkable lifespan. We delve into their biographies, their philosophies on life, and the surprising habits they credit for their extraordinary longevity.

Biographies of America's 114-Year-Old Supercentenarians

The distinction of being 114 years old is not a common one. It places individuals in a category known as supercentenarians—those who have reached the age of 110 or more. The two most prominent American women in this age group currently are Naomi Whitehead and Bonita Gibson, each holding significant titles.

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Naomi Whitehead: The Oldest Living American

• Full Name: Naomi Washington Whitehead (née Washington)
• Birth Date: September 26, 1910
• Birthplace: A farm in Georgia, USA
• Current Status: Believed to be the Oldest Living Person in the United States and North America (as of late 2024).
• Key Milestone: Her 114th birthday was celebrated on September 26, 2024.
• Life Summary: Naomi Whitehead was born on a farm and began helping her family at a young age. She has lived in Greenville, Pennsylvania, and has witnessed profound social and technological change across her life.

Bonita Gibson: Michigan's Beloved Centenarian

• Full Name: Bonita Bell Gibson (née Spear)
• Birth Date: July 4, 1911
• Birthplace: Hoxie, Sheridan County, Kansas, USA
• Current Status: Michigan's oldest resident, celebrating her 114th birthday on Independence Day.
• Key Milestone: She turned 114 on July 4, 2025.
• Life Summary: Born just nine months before the sinking of the Titanic, Bonita has a rich history spanning over a century. She currently resides in Canton, Michigan, and is known for her positive outlook and unique dietary preferences.

The Five Pillars of Extreme Longevity: A Tale of Two 114-Year-Olds

When asked about the secret to their long lives, both women offer advice that touches on common themes but also includes one surprising, highly specific recommendation. The consensus among researchers studying centenarians and supercentenarians often points to a combination of diet, lifestyle, social connection, and genetics. These two women embody this diversity.

1. The Surprising Dietary Twist: Potatoes vs. Healthy Eating

In the world of longevity secrets, diet is paramount, but the advice from Bonita Gibson is certainly unique. She attributes her long life, in part, to a generous diet that includes her favorite vegetable: the potato. While often maligned in modern low-carb diets, the potato is a staple in many cultures and, when prepared healthily, is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Gibson's family confirms her love for the food, suggesting that allowing oneself simple, consistent pleasures is key.

Naomi Whitehead, conversely, is cited as following a more traditional path of healthy eating, focusing on moderation and nourishment over any specific "superfood." This contrast highlights that there may not be a single, universal diet for extreme aging, but rather a pattern of consistent, mindful consumption.

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2. The Abstinence Factor: A Clear Consensus

One area where both Naomi Whitehead and Bonita Gibson align perfectly with the research on Blue Zones and long-lived populations is the avoidance of harmful habits. Naomi Whitehead is noted for having never smoked or consumed alcohol in her life. Bonita Gibson also includes "no smoking or drinking" as a part of her general prescription for a long life.

This strong correlation suggests that while diet may be flexible, eliminating major lifestyle risks is a non-negotiable factor in reaching supercentenarian status. It points to a profound commitment to a clean, healthy lifestyle habit over a period of more than a century.

3. The Power of a Positive Mindset

Both women emphasize the importance of mental and emotional well-being. Bonita Gibson’s advice includes "staying positive," a common thread among those who live past 100. Maintaining a positive outlook is believed to reduce chronic stress, which is a major contributor to disease and accelerated aging. This focus on quality of life and emotional resilience is a powerful, non-physical component of their longevity.

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For the elderly, keeping the mind active is just as crucial as physical health. The ability to find joy and maintain a sense of purpose provides a cognitive reserve that helps withstand the challenges of advanced age.

4. The Role of Genetic Luck and Persistence

While lifestyle choices are important, the extreme rarity of reaching 114 years old suggests that a significant genetic component is at play. Researchers studying the DNA of supercentenarians often find unique genetic markers that help the body repair cellular damage and protect against age-related diseases more effectively than the general population.

However, genetics only load the gun; lifestyle pulls the trigger. The persistence and discipline required to maintain healthy habits for over a century—like Naomi Whitehead’s lifelong abstinence from smoking and drinking—is a remarkable feat of human will. Their lives demonstrate that extraordinary genetic luck must be paired with extraordinary personal effort.

5. The Unseen Entity: The Simple, Consistent Life

Beyond the headline-grabbing secrets, the lives of both Naomi Whitehead and Bonita Gibson point to a life of relative consistency and simplicity. Living on a farm in Georgia or in a quiet Michigan town, their lives were rooted in community and routine. This consistent, low-stress environment is often a hallmark of long-lived individuals. It suggests that avoiding the extremes—both in lifestyle and emotional turmoil—may be the underlying, unstated secret to their success. Their stories are a valuable reminder that a long life is often a cumulative result of small, healthy decisions made consistently, year after year, for over 114 years.