Jeralean Talley, world''s oldest person, turns 116

Washington, May 24

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An American woman, said to be the oldest living person in the world, has celebrated her 116th birthday.

Jeralean Talley, who was born in Georgia on May 23, 1899, but now lives in Inkster, Michigan, turned 116 yesterday.

Talley was named the oldest living person in the world after Gertrude Weaver, an American super-centenarian died in April.

Talley's birthday celebrations began earlier this week when she was honoured at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Detroit Free Press reported.

She also received a special birthday message from US President Barack Obama, according to the newspaper.

"You're more likely to win the lottery than to reach this age," said Robert Young with the Gerontology Research Group, which keeps a list of the world's oldest people.

Talley has lived an active life, and still goes for fishing each year.

She gardened and mowed the lawn late into her life, bowled until she was 104 and still fondly recalls her last game.

"She's still in her right mind," said Thelma Holloway, 77, Talley's only child.

Talley has been living in her Michigan home for decades, though her daughter moved in about six and a half years ago to help her out.

She gets around on her own with a walker, but has slowed down, has a hard time hearing and naps throughout the day.

Talley was born in Montrose, Georgia, and moved to Michigan in the 1930s.

Her husband of 52 years, Alfred, died in 1988 when he was 95 years old. PTI