The Oldest Living American And 2nd-Oldest Person On The Planet Just Turned 116 — She Says The Secret To Her Long Life Is Drinking 'Two Fingers Of Wine A Day' And Minding Her Own Business

In Willits, California, Edie Ceccarelli marked a major milestone, celebrating her 116th birthday on Feb. 5. Born in 1908, Ceccarelli’s life spans across centuries, earning her the title of the second-oldest living person on Earth and the oldest living American, according to the Gerontology Research Group. The organization specializes in the study of supercentenarians — people who have reached the age of 110 or more.

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Maria Branyas Morera, born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907, and residing in Spain, holds the title of the oldest living person, according to Guinness World Records. 

The celebration for Ceccarelli took a heartwarming turn with a parade organized by her neighbors in the Mendocino County town, reflecting the community’s admiration and respect for her long life. Despite living with dementia, Ceccarelli has previously shared her secret to longevity with The Press Democrat, a local newspaper, stating it involves “drinking two fingers of wine a day" and minding her own business.

The quest for understanding what contributes to reaching supercentenarian or centenarian status has been a focus of researchers, including those from Boston University’s New England Centenarian Study. This comprehensive study suggests that genetics play a crucial role, accounting for approximately 70% of the factors leading to living beyond 110 while influencing about 30% of reaching 90.

Dan Buettner, who has dedicated two decades to studying communities globally known as blue zones, where people live exceptionally long lives, remarked on Ceccarelli’s age, describing her as an “outlier” and suggesting she “won the genetic lottery," according to Scripps News. His research supports the idea that lifestyle choices, including moderate consumption of red wine and avoiding involvement in others’ affairs, contribute significantly to longevity.

Red wine has been associated with reduced risks of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers, attributed to its antioxidant content, such as resveratrol. This key antioxidant has attracted significant attention from health experts for its life-extending potential. The compound is believed to support the slowing of the aging process by protecting bodily tissues.

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Ceccarelli’s preferences for the color pink, dancing, leisurely walks and celebrating her recent birthdays with outdoor parades while donning a tiara underscore the joy and simplicity that have characterized her long life. These insights into Ceccarelli’s life offer a glimpse into the factors that may contribute to such an extraordinary lifespan, blending genetics, lifestyle and perhaps a bit of personal philosophy.

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