100-Year-Old Crowd Surfs for Guinness Record

Pauline Kana, known online as Gangster Granny, marked her 100th birthday on August 1, 2026. She has navigated significant historical periods, including the Great Depression and World War II, and recently recovered from colon cancer. Kana resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her grandson, Ross Smith, who manages her popular Instagram account, featuring their collaborative comedy content.

Kana's life philosophy centers on living fully, a principle highlighted by her grandson, who states, "It's never too late to live your best life." She attributes her longevity to six key principles: maintaining a busy schedule through "faith and hard work," staying physically active, enjoying foods that bring happiness, laughing often, living with a purpose, and embracing adventure.

Her active lifestyle, which began with swimming in a river and walking a mile to school daily, continues despite her age, though she now uses a walker or cane for assistance. Kana's adventurous spirit recently led her to set a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to crowd surf earlier in 2026.

Kana firmly believes in laughter as the best medicine, a sentiment reflected in her viral comedy videos. Her grandson initially aimed to make her resonate with younger audiences by incorporating her into hip-hop culture and humorous scenarios. She also emphasizes the importance of having a purpose, finding joy in connecting with her audience and bringing them laughter.