Uzbekistan woman, 128, may be oldest

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- A 128-year-old woman in Uzbekistan may be the world's oldest person, an Interior Ministry official said.

The official, who was not identified, said that while the woman, Tuty Yusupova, may be the oldest person, her age has not been officially recognized.

The woman is a well-respected member of her community in the Central Asian country, the official said.

"Tuty Yusupova turned 128 this year," the official said. "Locals respect her for honesty and creativity and listen to her advice."

The Gerontology Research Group recognizes 115-year-old Portugal resident Maria de Jesus dos Santos as the oldest person. Unlike Yusupova, dos Santos' age has been officially verified, RIA Novosti said.