An Oldie But a Goodie

We love old people. They have so much wisdom, they usually don't sweat the small stuff, and they are typically pretty darn cute.

So, we must salute Gertrude Baines, the world's oldest person, who died at the ripe old age of 115 today at a Los Angeles hospital, according to the Associated Press. The adorable lady was born in Shellman, Ga. way back in 1894, and we can only imagine how much she had seen -- an African-American woman born among freed slaves well before desegregation.

The spry Baines earned the title of world's oldest person earlier this year when Maria de Jesus of Portugal died in January. The new record-holder is Cama Chinen of Japan, a veritable spring chicken at 114 years young.

In April, Baines celebrated her 115th birthday with a big bash in L.A. (so appropriate somehow) and her doctor, Charles Witt told KCAL-TV that she was in good health and only had two complaints.

"Number one, she doesn't like the bacon. It's not crisp enough. And the other thing she fusses about... arthritis of her knees. She told me that she owes her longevity to the Lord, that she never did drink, she never did smoke and she never did fool around."

We all wonder about the secret to a long happy life, perhaps we can all learn a thing or two from Mrs. Baines. Rest in peace.

Photo courtesy of Johnrabe via Wikimedia Commons.