Oldest Known Living Person, Edna Parker, Turns 115
April 18, 2008 by Liberty Kontranowski
Filed under A Mother's Wisdom, Event, Misc., Oddities, Web
So here’s an accomplishment to shout from the rooftops: Turning 115! Can you imagine?!?
The lovely Edna Parker of Indiana can. This Sunday, Edna will celebrate her 115th birthday.
One of only 75 living people (64 women and 11 men) who is 110 or older, scientists are hoping that Edna’s DNA can unlock the “Holy Grail” of longevity. Is having a long life a genetic thing? It’s definitely possible. In fact, nearly all centenarians have a sister, mother, or other relative who lived a long life. The same is true for Edna, whose two sisters lived to be 99 and 88.
While more research is being conducted on these long-living folks, the current thinking is that there are several genetic mutations in centenarians that may contribute to either slowing the aging process or boosting resistance to age-related diseases. The secret to longevity, then, appears to be a mix of genetics and health habits. Another surprising finding? Most centenarians appear anxiety-free and tend not to dwell on stressful events.
Just one more reason to relax a little harder this weekend, huh?
Whatever her secret, we wish Edna a very Happy Birthday and send our best for continued health and happiness.
Further reading on the New England Centenarian Study, which Edna is a part of.
Best wishes and may God bless Edna.
One amazing person indeed.
Keep on trucking because the roads are clear.
I’m fascinated with longevity and research on it. As far as lifestyle factors go, there are a number of common elements found in groups of people who tend to live longer. National Geographic has had stories about it and I posted something recently myself about what Dan Buettner has discovered and written about.
Hooray for Edna! We hope she had a wonderful day.
Trisha, you’re right. Longevity is fascinating. Though I will say it is a little scary to think about how our world would ever be able to meet the resources needed for a population to live so long.
The idea of longevity is fantastic; the reality of it? Not so sure…
The reality of it – its definitely possible. We just have to keep finding new, more efficient energy sources.
I have a grandma who is now 109 in Thailand and she is not in any record book just yet. Also, my grandfather who is 105 and still walking fine.
That’s simply woonderfull!
Longevity is truely a blessing and gift from GOD. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
hello Edna that is amazing i am from Michigan i wish i could live for that long and Im only 14 try to break the record of 122 hope you do i am so amazed
Deaar Edna
May you have many more such birthdays and be in good health and mental tranquility. How wonderful it is to see so much of history in one lifetime. I hope I could catch up with you. Life is so interesting.
Have a wonderful and longer life.
Actually there is older living woman in Palestine, she is 120 years old called Mariam Ammash, she is well-known in news and newspapers….i do not know why no body mentioned her !
Dear Edna, God bless you i hope you had a wonderful birthday..im sorry i wasnt here sooner but i just found out about you today…..I plead the blood of jesus over you to live 10 more years i pray that you live as long as i say..its ok if you dont it was just your time to go where god wants you to go….i pray that i live as long as you or longer…..but im only 11 years old and hope i have a long and healthy life like yourself have a blessed life Edna.
Parker died at a nursing home in Indiana, on November 26, 2008, at age 115 years, 220 days. Congratulations, you have done so well you should be so proud of yourself and i’m sure your soul will rest in peace and we will remember you for the years to come
http://www.iwebie.com/edna-parker-dead
Mrs. Parker must have lived a good life. Just imagine all of the historical events that she witnessed during her life. R.I.P Mrs. Parker