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CNN Sunday Morning

Oldest Person in the World Turns 114

Aired November 16, 2003 - 07:55   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


RENAY SAN MIGUEL, CNN ANCHOR: Today's a very special day in North Lima, Ohio, as one family gathers to celebrate a landmark birthday. We get the story from Kristin Anderson of CNN affiliate WKYC.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KRISTIN ANDERSON, WKYC NEWS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At 114 years old, Charlotte Benker is a living legend. Like her motto for life, she takes one step at a time.

CHARLOTTE BENKER, 114 YEARS OLD: I'm overwhelmed that so many people would come out just for my birthday. It would be so nice if it was sweet 16.

ANDERSON: Charlotte became the oldest person in the world when Matoya Kuwati (ph) from Japan passed away on Thursday. Charlotte says the secret to her longevity is simple.

BENKER: To live each day the way the Lord gives it to me.

ANDERSON: Charlotte was born in 1889. She's the oldest of 11 brothers and sisters. She's seen the invention of the telephone and automobile, but it's the washing machine that's Charlotte's favorite.

BENKER: Now you stick it in and push the button and it's done.

ANDERSON (on camera): Charlotte moved her from Arizona when she was 110-years old to be closer to family. She is such an amazing woman. Doctors from Harvard are studying her.

(voice-over): She has a tough time hearing and seeing, but is otherwise very healthy and happy.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She's never in a bad mood. She's always so happy and so pleasant.

BENKER: And that's cute.

ANDERSON: She says these gifts from her great-great nephew's class will get her to a 115-years old.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com





Aired November 16, 2003 - 07:55   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RENAY SAN MIGUEL, CNN ANCHOR: Today's a very special day in North Lima, Ohio, as one family gathers to celebrate a landmark birthday. We get the story from Kristin Anderson of CNN affiliate WKYC.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KRISTIN ANDERSON, WKYC NEWS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At 114 years old, Charlotte Benker is a living legend. Like her motto for life, she takes one step at a time.

CHARLOTTE BENKER, 114 YEARS OLD: I'm overwhelmed that so many people would come out just for my birthday. It would be so nice if it was sweet 16.

ANDERSON: Charlotte became the oldest person in the world when Matoya Kuwati (ph) from Japan passed away on Thursday. Charlotte says the secret to her longevity is simple.

BENKER: To live each day the way the Lord gives it to me.

ANDERSON: Charlotte was born in 1889. She's the oldest of 11 brothers and sisters. She's seen the invention of the telephone and automobile, but it's the washing machine that's Charlotte's favorite.

BENKER: Now you stick it in and push the button and it's done.

ANDERSON (on camera): Charlotte moved her from Arizona when she was 110-years old to be closer to family. She is such an amazing woman. Doctors from Harvard are studying her.

(voice-over): She has a tough time hearing and seeing, but is otherwise very healthy and happy.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She's never in a bad mood. She's always so happy and so pleasant.

BENKER: And that's cute.

ANDERSON: She says these gifts from her great-great nephew's class will get her to a 115-years old.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com