Georgia woman, 114, named world's oldest

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MONROE, Ga., March 11 (UPI) -- A 114-year-old Georgia woman has been named the world's oldest living person by Guinness World Records during a ceremony at her nursing home.

Besse Cooper, who is 114 years and 6 months old, officially received the title Thursday at her Monroe nursing home following the death of previous record holder Eunice Sanborn of Texas last month, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

Cooper's son, Sid, 75, attributed his mother's longevity to good genetics and an active childhood in Tennessee. He said his mother lived alone in her home until the age of 105.

Cooper, who has four children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, has recently experienced problems with her vision and hearing, Sid Cooper said.

"I mind my business and I don't eat junk food," Cooper told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on her 113th birthday.