She was the oldest person in the world about a year ago, until the folks from Guinness World Records found a woman in Brazil that was a few months older.  That woman has since passed away, and Bessie Cooper of Monroe, Georgia became only the 8th person in the world to be verified as reaching 116 years of age.

Cooper is now the oldest living person in the world as she celebrated birthday number 116 on August 26th.

She was born in 1896, and attributes her longevity to "minding my own business."  "And I don't eat junk food."

Of the 8 people to have ever reached the 116 year milestone, 4 were Americans.  The oldest person ever, confirmed by Guinness was Jeanne Louis Calamet of France, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days.  She died in 1997.

If Bessie takes care of herself, she might reach that number.  Or she might party like it's 1899!  Nobody lives forever.

More From Cars 108