The oldest American

THE OLDEST AMERICAN: During a recent interview in New Albany, NY, Bettie Wilson talks to reporters about her secret to longevity. Born Sept. 13, 1890, Wilson is said to be the oldest living person in the United States and the third oldest in the world at age 114, according to Gerontology Research Group.

The Atlanta-based agency investigates the authenticity of people over 110 referred to as supercentenarians. Wilson married twice. Her first marriage was brief to Rufus Rogers, and the second was to the late Rev. Dewey Wilson, which lasted 72 years. The mother, who has one son, age 95, and two daughters, both now deceased, said that "living right" is the key to her 41,770-plus days on Earth, reports the Biloxi Sun Herald. At JET press time she said, "I feel pretty good these days! I don't have any pains. No arthritis, and things don't bother me. I feel pretty good every day." Wilson's family and government officials are building her a new $62,000 home, replacing her house, which is falling apart.