Georgia’s Oldest Person Celebrates 112th Birthday
Georgia’s oldest person, Mabel Dunbar of Fayetteville, recently celebrated her milestone 112th birthday surrounded by family and loved ones, according to Fox 5 News. Born in Jamaica in 1914βthe year World War I beganβDunbar is the matriarch of a large family consisting of one child, four grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. After moving to Florida in 1994 to live with her daughter, she relocated to Fayetteville last August to reside with her granddaughter and grandson-in-law. Her family celebrated the special day with a custom berry cake, flowers, and a celebratory crown.
The Secret to Longevity: Faith and Family
When asked about her secret to longevity during her birthday celebration, Dunbar emphasized the power of faith and deep human connection. “God is love. I love my family. Not just my family, but I love strangers too,” she shared. Loved ones describe her as deeply faithful, cheerful, and conversational. Dunbar advises the younger generation to cherish their families, noting that as people age, they rely heavily on loved ones for support and find immense joy in their visits.
Science Behind Faith, Social Connections, and Longevity
Fox 5 News highlighted how Dunbar’s lifestyle aligns with broader scientific research regarding social connections and faith. Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, a bioethicist at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasizes that active social lives, continuous mental stimulation, proper exercise, adequate sleep, and limited processed foods are vital for healthy aging. Furthermore, a 2016 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health tracked over 74,000 women for 16 years and found that those who attended religious services more than once a week had a lower risk of mortality during the study period. Researchers noted that these individuals often benefited from lower smoking rates and stronger social support networks. Globally, the oldest officially confirmed living person is Ethel Caterham of the UK, who turned 117 in August and similarly attributes her longevity to avoiding disputes and maintaining positive human relationships.
