See Amazing Photos Of The Current Oldest Person In The World - Gertrude Weaver

 Following the death on Wednesday of 117-year-old Japanese woman Misao Okawa, an American, Gertrude Weaver, is now the world's oldest person.

The three oldest people in the world, as documented by the Guinness Book of Records, are Americans. Joining Weaver, who lives in Arkansas, are Michigan's Jeralean Talley and New York City's Susannah Mushatt Jones.

The three are among only four people still living who were born in the 1800s. The other is Italy's Emma Morano.Weaver, like Okawa, was born in 1898, and is due to turn 117 on July 4. The other three were born in 1899. more pictures below;

In an interview with TIME last year after she was first recognized as the oldest-living American, Weaver said her secret to longevity is “kindness.”

“Treat people right and be nice to other people the way you want them to be nice to you,” she added. These days, she enjoys “wheelchair dancing,” manicures, Bible study and attending concerts by singers from schools and church groups.On Wednesday, Weaver told the Associated Press she would like President Obama to attend her party for her 117th birthday on July 4.
Gertrude with her 93 year old son on the left. He turns 94 in April

                               
                               
                               
                               
Jeralean Talley sits in the living room of her home in Inkster, Mich., in April 2013. (Photo: Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
                               
Susannah Mushatt Jones at the care facility in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she lives. (Photo: Getty Images)
                            
Italian super-centenarian Emma Morano at her home. (Photo: AP)