I once met a guy who lived to 112 eating hot dogs and waffles. He was like a human science experiment gone wrong, or maybe right. His name was George Johnson, and he was California’s oldest living person, probably because everyone else his age got tired of waiting in line at the DMV.
This guy, he was the last World War I veteran in California. I guess he survived the war by confusing the enemy with his diet. “What’s he eating? Is that a weapon?”
George built his house by hand in 1935. I wonder if he used hot dogs for insulation and waffles for shingles. He was blind and lived alone until he was 110. I guess when you’re that old, even your imaginary friends move out.
The gerontology experts were baffled. This guy’s organs looked like they belonged to someone half his age. It’s like his body was running on hot dog grease and waffle syrup instead of blood.
He had no heart disease, no cancer, no diabetes, no Alzheimer’s. It’s like his body forgot to age, or maybe time just gave up trying to catch him. The doctors couldn’t figure out why he died. Maybe his body finally realized what he’d been eating all these years and went into shock.
They did an autopsy, probably to see if he was actually made of processed meat and frozen breakfast food. Turns out, he just had pneumonia. I guess even at 112, you can’t win them all.
So, remember kids, eat your vegetables. Or don’t. Apparently, it doesn’t matter as long as your genes are as stubborn as you are.
Fact Check
Here are the citations for the story about George Johnson:
1. George Johnson, California’s oldest living person and last World War I veteran, had a diet primarily consisting of sausages and waffles, which experts found puzzling given his longevity. He passed away at 112 from pneumonia, with doctors noting that his organs appeared youthful for his age. The findings suggest that genetics may play a significant role in longevity, overshadowing lifestyle choices. [1]
2. Dr. L. Stephen Coles from the Gerontology Research Group at UCLA emphasized that while many believe good habits contribute to a long life, genetics often has a more substantial impact. Johnson’s autopsy revealed no signs of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s, raising questions about how he maintained such health despite his diet. [1][5]
3. Johnson was recognized as a “supercentenarian,” a term for individuals aged 110 or older. Following his death, researchers are now validating claims of another potential supercentenarian in Los Angeles. [1]
These sources provide a comprehensive overview of George Johnson’s life, diet, and the implications of his longevity.
Read More
[1] https://laist.com/news/oldest-californian-man-dies-sausage-waffles-diet-was-blameless
[2] https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/George-Johnson-Oldest-man-in-state-dies-at-112-2470719.php
[3] https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-aug-31-me-oldest31-story.html
[4] https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna14557305
