113-Year-Old NJ Woman Oldest American

PITTSTOWN, N.J. (AP) -- A 113-year-old New Jersey woman is the new holder of the title of oldest American.

The Record newspaper reports (http://bit.ly/… ) Adele Dunlap became the country's oldest person earlier this month following the death of a Worcester, Massachusetts, woman. Dunlap lives at the Country Arch Care Center in Pittstown.

The Los Angeles-based Gerontology Research Group, which tracks supercentenarians, or people 110 and older, says Dunlap is also the 10th oldest person in the world.

Dunlap didn't give an explanation for her longevity and her 86-year-old son, Earl, was also at a loss for words to describe her long life.

The care center's activities director says Dunlap is a passive participant in daily activities and socializes minimally but looks forward to Girl Scouts' coming to sing Christmas carols.

(KA)