Jeanne Calment: The Undisputed Record Holder
With a documented lifespan of 122 years and 164 days, Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment is arguably the most famous supercentenarian in history. Born in Arles, France, in 1875, she died in 1997, having lived through two world wars and the arrival of the telephone, cinema, and the internet. Her fame was solidified by her sharp wit and anecdotes, including a memory of meeting Vincent van Gogh in 1888.
Calment's path to supercentenarian status was unconventional. Born into a prosperous family, she never had to work. She took up hobbies like tennis, fencing, and bicycling, the latter of which she continued until her 100th birthday. Despite her healthy habits, she was also known for her vices, including a weekly consumption of chocolate and a long-standing smoking habit, which she only quit at age 117. Her story sparked intense media and medical interest, leading to several films and documentaries dedicated to her life.
Other Notable Supercentenarians
While Jeanne Calment is the most famous, many other individuals have gained notoriety for their extreme longevity, often becoming famous precisely because of their age. Their stories come from all corners of the globe, highlighting the global nature of this phenomenon.
- Kane Tanaka (Japan): Until her death in 2022 at age 119, Kane Tanaka was recognized as the oldest verified living person. She was a Japanese woman who lived in a nursing home and famously enjoyed treats like chocolate and fizzy drinks. Her great-granddaughter gained a following by sharing updates on her life and hobbies, which included playing the board game Othello.
- Lucile Randon (France): Known as Sister André, Lucile Randon became the world's oldest living person following Tanaka's death and lived until age 118. A French nun, she gained fame for surviving a COVID-19 infection just weeks before her 117th birthday. She attributed her long life to a deep faith and a daily glass of port wine.
- Jiroemon Kimura (Japan): The oldest verified man ever, Jiroemon Kimura lived to be 116 years and 54 days old. He famously advised others to "eat light to live long" and continued to work on his farm until he was 90 years old. His longevity was the subject of much media attention and research.
- Sarah Knauss (United States): Sarah Knauss was the oldest American ever verified, living to be 119 years and 97 days. She died in 1999 and was known for her quiet life and love of watching golf on television. Her longevity was a source of pride for her family and community.
Famous People Who Became Supercentenarians
Some individuals who were already known for their careers also lived to be supercentenarians. This group is even rarer, as fame and extreme old age do not often overlap.
- Alphaeus Philemon Cole: An American artist, engraver, and etcher, Cole lived to be 112, dying in 1988. He was an established artist for decades before his status as a supercentenarian drew renewed attention.
- Ruthie Tompson: An American animator and camera technician who worked for Disney, Ruthie Tompson lived to be 111, passing away in 2021. She worked on classic films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Sleeping Beauty, gaining public recognition for her incredible longevity later in life.
What Factors Contribute to Extreme Longevity?
Scientific research into the lives of supercentenarians has revealed a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While genetics seem to play a dominant role in protecting against age-related diseases, many supercentenarians share specific lifestyle habits.
The Genetic and Environmental Puzzle
Studies suggest that supercentenarians have a unique genetic makeup that protects them from age-related diseases like cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline until the very end of their lives. Researchers from the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University have noted that a family history of longevity significantly increases a person's chances of reaching a supercentenarian age. However, genetics are not the whole story; the environment also plays a crucial part.
Lifestyle Traits of the Longest-Lived
While a definitive guide to living to 110 does not exist, observing the lives of those who have reached this age reveals some common traits:
- Positive Outlook: Many supercentenarians are described as resilient and optimistic. They often approach life's challenges with a calm and positive attitude, suggesting that stress management may be a contributing factor.
- Active Lifestyle: Most supercentenarians maintain a physically active lifestyle, even if it's moderate. Activities like daily walks, gardening, or hobbies that involve movement are common.
- Strong Social Bonds: Maintaining strong relationships with family and friends and staying socially engaged is a recurring theme among the longest-lived people.
- Healthy Diet (with exceptions): While some, like Jeanne Calment, had indulgences, many supercentenarians favor a diet rich in whole foods and vegetables. The 'Blue Zones' research on long-lived populations supports the benefits of plant-based diets.
A Comparison of Famous Supercentenarians
| Name | Lifespan | Notability | Long-Lived Habits/Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeanne Calment | 122 years | Oldest verified person ever; met Van Gogh; witty | Positive attitude, active lifestyle, social connections, (plus smoking/chocolate) |
| Kane Tanaka | 119 years | Oldest living person until 2022 | Playing Othello, enjoying treats, keeping mind active |
| Lucile Randon | 118 years | Oldest living person until 2023; nun; COVID survivor | Deep faith, social connection, resilience |
| Jiroemon Kimura | 116 years | Oldest verified man ever | Advised "eat light to live long," stayed physically active |
| Sarah Knauss | 119 years | Oldest American ever verified | Quiet life, enjoyed simple pleasures, had a supportive family |
Conclusion: The Enduring Fascinations of Extreme Longevity
The stories of famous supercentenarians, from Jeanne Calment to more recent figures like Kane Tanaka, capture our collective imagination. Their lives, often stretching across multiple generations and historical eras, provide a glimpse into the extraordinary possibilities of the human lifespan. While much of extreme longevity appears to be rooted in rare genetic advantages, these individuals often share common traits related to a positive mindset, active living, and strong social ties. While we can't all expect to become supercentenarians, their stories inspire us to prioritize healthy living and a sense of purpose at any age. For more information on the most up-to-date validation of supercentenarian ages, you can visit the official Gerontology Research Group (GRG).
