News Flash!

World's Oldest Person Dies

September 12, 2009 (Los Angeles) - Gertrude Baines, the world's oldest person, has died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 115, according to the Western Convalescent Hospital where she lived.

Born in 1894, Baines became the world's oldest person in January after the death of another 115-year-old, Maria de Jesus, from Portugal, Guinness World Records said. Gertrude Baines said she attributed her longevity to not drinking, smoking, or fooling around.

An autopsy revealed that Baines died from “a terminal lack of fun.”

“Had she knocked back a few drinks, smoked a pack or two of cigarettes, or had sex a time or two, she might have made it 120,” her doctor said. “No one can survive without cutting loose a bit.”

Guinness World Records plans next week to certify Regis Philbin as the current world’s oldest person.

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