Elizabeth Francis, a 115-year-old woman from Houston, Texas, has recently become the oldest living person in the United States, attributing her longevity to the grace of God. She is the fourth oldest living person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group. Francis, who has lived through two world wars and global pandemics, lives at home with her 95-year-old daughter and has several caregivers, including her granddaughter. She has always believed in the importance of family and taking care of others, embodying the values of treating people well.
Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, a global research organization focused on human longevity, considers supercentenarians like Francis to be excellent role models for aging successfully. He visited Francis earlier this year to recognize her as the oldest living American and praised her strong sense of family and community. Despite living through significant historical events, Francis remains focused on her daily life and her faith. She is an active member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church and continues to receive visits from the pastor and other members who bring her communion.
Francis has a strong belief in the power of faith and credits God for her longevity. She is described as having total fortitude, remaining focused on her world and not allowing external events to distract her. Although Francis is no longer very talkative, singing hymns brings her joy. She also enjoyed gardening and sharing vegetables with others, believing in the importance of hard work and healthy food. Francis has three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren and is among the 25 longest-lived people in American history.
Francis’s granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, shared that her grandmother’s main focus has always been on her family and faith. As an active member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Francis’s church community plays an important role in her life, despite her inability to attend services in person. Meyers noted that supercentenarians like Francis provide valuable insights into aging successfully and living fulfilling lives. Francis’s philosophy of treating others well and taking care of her family has been a guiding principle throughout her long life.
Despite her age, Francis’s faith, determination, and focus on family continue to be sources of strength for her. She has lived through numerous historical events and challenges but remains resilient and committed to her values. With her strong sense of community and unwavering belief in God, Francis serves as an inspiring example of successful aging and living a meaningful life. Meyers highlighted the importance of learning from supercentenarians like Francis, who exemplify the resilience and fortitude needed to navigate life’s challenges and achieve longevity.
