Elizabeth Francis, who was until recently the oldest living American, attributed her longevity to God and a healthy lifestyle. Born in 1909, a time when William Taft replaced Theodore Roosevelt as president and women couldn't yet vote in the US, Francis lived to the remarkable age of 115. Her life offers valuable insights into the potential factors that contribute to an exceptionally long and healthy life.
A Life Well-Lived: Family, Faith, and Hard Work
Francis claimed the title of oldest living American in February and was also the third oldest person in the world. She died at home surrounded by family. Her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, 69, described her as a woman with a strong faith and a jolly personality. Harrison told ABC News that Francis' motto was to "treat people like you want to be treated."
Born in Louisiana, Francis moved to Texas in 1920. From 1999, she lived with her 95-year-old daughter, Dorothy Williams, where caregivers visited daily. Even in her later years, despite needing a wheelchair from the age of 108 and being bedbound, Francis remained mentally alert and recognized her family. When researchers from LongeviQuest visited her for her 114th birthday, she was able to hold court with visitors for four hours.
Beyond genetics, Francis' lifestyle choices appear to have played a significant role in her exceptional longevity.
The Elizabeth Francis Diet: A Foundation of Home-Grown Goodness
While Francis didn't have a secret for living to 115, she credited her longevity to God. She always cooked using vegetables that she grew in her garden, such as collard greens, mustard greens, carrots, and okra. Harrison told ABC13 that she never saw her grandmother eat fast food.
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Harrison said of her grandmother's longevity: "Whenever you went to her house, I don't care what day of the week, she was cooking. So I just think that had a lot to do with it".
This aligns with dietary recommendations that emphasize whole foods, with studies suggesting that a plant-rich diet with less processed food could add a decade to a person's life.
The Importance of Strong Family Bonds
Francis also spent a lot of time with her family: Harrison visited her mother and grandmother at their house most days, and she told Today that they were "always doing things together as a family unit."
Research suggests having strong relationships and socializing are associated with a longer, healthier life.
The Value of Hard Work and Activity
Francis also worked hard to support her family as a single mother and stayed active even when she retired. "She was a hard worker. That's what I remember most about her. Even when she retired, she still would work.
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A Celebration of Life at 114
A woman in Texas recently celebrated her 114th birthday in style, with five generations of family members by her side. Despite her age, Francis said she feels young at heart, telling local ABC station KTRK-TV, "I'm very, very young. Look at me, I'm like a little young chicken."
In addition to Harrison, Francis has two more grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Also by her side celebrating her birthday this week was her 94-year-old daughter, Dorothy Ray Williams."It's hard to believe, but it's a blessing," Williams said of her mom's long life. "Because she has been a wonderful mother and grandmother to all of us.
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