Mabel Dunbar celebrated her 112th birthday at her home in Fayetteville, Georgia, surrounded by loved ones who honored a life shaped by family, service and religious faith. She credits staying close to her family and embracing her strong faith for her longevity.

Born in Jamaica in 1914, Dunbar is the mother of one, grandmother of four and a great grandmother. Her family marked the milestone on September 5, 2026, with flowers, a crown and a custom berry cake, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

The gathering brought multiple generations together at Dunbar’s metro Atlanta home. Family members celebrated both her long life and her Jamaican heritage while placing a sparkling birthday crown on her head.

"God is love and I love my families," Dunbar said at her party. "I love all my families and strangers."

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People who know Dunbar describe her as "deeply religious, pleasant and talkative," according to FOX 5. The station reported that she spent her life serving others while remaining active and closely connected to the people around her.

Until recently, Dunbar continued to enjoy cooking and prepared breakfast for herself every morning. She also took pleasure in sharing stories with the people who came to visit her.

Dunbar moved to Florida in 1994 to live with her daughter. She later relocated to Fayetteville in August 2025, where she now lives with her granddaughter and grandson in law.

Family remains central to Dunbar’s daily life, and she offered clear advice about valuing younger generations, particularly grandchildren. Her comments reflected both her affection for her relatives and her appreciation for their constant presence.

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"Treat them the best you can, because they are important," Dunbar said. "You need them when you can't help yourself like me. These good people are on me all the time, and I'm happy to see them when they come."

Several factors have contributed to the increase in United States life expectancy, according to Dr. Jessica Gray. Those factors include decreased drug overdoses and improved cancer survival rates.

Leading oncologist and University of Pennsylvania bioethicist Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel has identified several principles for living longer and reducing disease risk. His recommendations include prioritizing an active social life and remaining mentally active through new hobbies and opportunities to learn.

Emanuel also recommends limiting processed and sugary foods and drinks without becoming overly restrictive. Moderate exercise, proper sleep and avoiding obviously dangerous activities and behaviors are also among his recommendations, Fox News Digital previously reported.

Research has suggested that religious involvement may also be associated with greater longevity. A 2016 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine examined religious service attendance and health outcomes among 74,534 women over 16 years.

Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that women who attended religious services more than once a week had a 33% lower risk of dying during the follow up period compared with women who never attended services. The findings showed an association between attendance and mortality during that period.

Weekly attendance was associated with a 26% lower risk, while attendance less than once a week was associated with a 13% lower risk. Regular attendees also tended to smoke less, experience fewer depressive symptoms and have stronger social support, the researchers reported in 2016.

Meanwhile, the world’s oldest documented living person is Ethel Caterham of England, who turned 117 in August. Caterham previously told The Associated Press that she credited her long life to "never arguing with anyone," adding, "I listen, and I do what I like."

For Dunbar, the celebration centered on loved ones, faith and gratitude. Surrounded by family at 112, she continued to emphasize treating relatives well and appreciating the people who remain close when help is needed most.