114-Year-Old Woman Names Surprising Food Her Secret To Long Life
Michigan resident Bonita Gibson celebrated her 114th birthday on Friday. A certain type of food was likely on the menu for the occasion.
Gibson became just the ninth living person to turn 114 when she blew out her candles on July 4th. Gibson's family shared some of her secrets to People's Brian Anthony Hernandez, including one food they called a "main contributing factor" to her good health in old age: the potato.
Potatoes have been a staple of Gibson's diet throughout her entire adult life, per the report. That trend has continued through 2025.
Gibson's late husband, Kenneth Richard, was a big reason Bonita had such a strong affinity for the spud. Richard worked in the potato industry in Idaho for nearly 50 years until his retirement in 1977.
However, eating potatoes alone won't get anyone past the century mark. Gibson also stayed away from alcohol and cigarettes while maintaining a healthy diet beyond her potato consumption. She also touted positivity and keeping a smile on her face as part of her daily mindset.
Gibson now resides at a senior living facility in Canton, Michigan. But that hasn't stopped her from enjoying her final few years, as she still enjoys a good book and besting her co-residents in a game of cards.
According to the Gerontology Research Group's database on supercentenarians, Gibson is currently the third-oldest living U.S. resident. New York native Mary Harris is around seven weeks older than Bonita, while Pennsylvania resident Naomi Whitehead holds the crown with her 115th birthday coming up in September.
Potatoes are considered a terrific source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. However, binging on french fries and mashed potatoes comes with consequences. The carbohydrate-rich vegetable also causes unwanted spikes in blood sugar.
The popular crop is one of the most consumed foods on earth. If potatoes alone were truly a life-extending food, then the average lifespan globally should be much higher than 73.
The Mayo Clinic recommends consuming potatoes in tandem with foods high in protein and fiber. It also wouldn't hurt to mix in a quick walk right after a meal, which studies credit for helping regulate glucose levels.
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