Oldest Man in U.S. Dies at 112

The oldest man in the United States passed away on Sunday at the age of 112. George Francis, a man who saw parts of the 19^th, 20^th and the 21^st century over his lifetime, died of congestive heart failure at a nursing home in Sacramento.

A man who lived an eclectic life as a boxer, chauffeur, auto mechanic and a barber, Francis was also witness to the oppressive Jim Crow laws growing up an African American in the South.

At 112 years and 204 days old, Francis' death signals the passing of the torch to the next oldest living man, Walter Breuning. The Montana man is 112 years and 98 days old. A retired Great Northern Railway worker, Breuning was born in Minnesota in 1896 and moved to Montana 90 years ago.

Gertrude Baines at 114 is the country's oldest living person and the world's oldest person of African descent according to the Gerontology Research group. The daughter of former slaves, Baines experienced the violent times and minds of Georgia when racism was at its peak. Though her vision and hearing are poor, she is relatively healthy and mobile by means of her wheelchair. She will turn 115 in April.

The world's oldest person is Portugal's Maria de Jesus. At 115 and 109 days old, she still lives in her own home, wakes up every morning at 11AM to do daily hand exercises and remains fairly responsive. She walks around with the aid of a walker, enjoys looking through her family albums, sunbathing and eating ice cream.

The world's oldest man, Tomoji Tanabe of Japan, turned 113 this past September. Tanabe lives with his son and has over 100 descendants.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average life expectancy of men and women in the United States is only 78 years old. Therefore, it is understandable that when a person lives as long these individuals have, undoubtedly the question "What is the secret to your longevity?" is asked.

Francis' son told the L.A. Times that his family attributed Francis' longevity to "his mental and physical toughness." Breuning cited a positive attitude and keeping your mind and body active as the reasons for his extended life.

Gertrude Baines told an interviewer at the L.A. Times that God was the answer: "I took good care of myself, the way he wanted me to."

Maria de Jesus says that she has reportedly never smoked, drank alcohol or coffee and avoids eating meat, preferring fish and vegetables instead.

Tomoji Tanabe cited a healthy diet, avoidance of alcohol and cigarettes and a drink of milk every afternoon as reasons for his endurance.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States still has a long way to consistently produce supercentenarians. Only by 2050 will our life expectancy exceed 80. According to these individuals, the secret to long life is healthy living and positive attitudes. Why don't we give it a try just to maintain the sanity of living day by day?

George Francis, Oldest Man in the United States, Dies at 112, Los Angeles Times

Man, 112, Says Secret to Long Life is Being Active, Boston.com

Tami Abdollah, At 114, A Daughter of Former Slaves Votes for Obama, L.A. Times

Dr. Gupta, A Supercentenarian Looks Back Over 112 Years, CNN.com

Maria de Jesus, Wikipedia Biography

Sophie Tedmanson, Tomoji Tanabe, World's Oldes Man, Turns 113, Times Online

United States Census Bureau