Supercentenarians are Exceedingly Rare
To understand if anyone has reached the age of 115, one must first understand the category of people who live far beyond the average lifespan. A centenarian is a person who lives to be 100 years or older. A supercentenarian is a person who has reached the age of 110 or older. Living to 115 is even more rare, but well-documented. For context, one study estimates that of every 4,500 centenarians in the U.S., only about a dozen will live past their 110th birthday. The number of people reaching 115 is a fraction of that already tiny pool.
Verified Individuals Who Lived to 115 and Beyond
Multiple individuals have been independently verified by longevity research groups, such as the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), to have lived to be 115 or older. The most famous case remains Jeanne Calment, who passed away in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days, making her the oldest person ever whose age has been validated. Other verified individuals include:
- Sarah Knauss (United States): Lived to 119 years and 97 days.
- Kane Tanaka (Japan): Lived to 119 years and 107 days.
- Maria Branyas (Spain): Lived to 117 years and 168 days.
- Jiroemon Kimura (Japan): The oldest verified man, who lived to be 116 years and 54 days.
- Elizabeth Francis (United States): Lived to be 115 years and 89 days, passing away in October 2024.
These verified instances confirm that reaching and surpassing 115 is possible, though statistically improbable.
A Complex Mix of Genetics, Lifestyle, and Luck
The path to extreme longevity, often studied by researchers, is a blend of factors that contribute to a longer healthspan—the period of life spent in good health. While exceptional genetics are a prerequisite, they are not the sole determinant. Lifestyle choices appear to have a greater impact, especially in the early and middle stages of life.
Key Factors Associated with Longevity
- Genetics: Researchers are actively studying the genomes of supercentenarians to identify specific genes and genetic characteristics that protect against age-related diseases. A small number of gene variants have been identified, particularly those related to DNA repair and inflammation.
- Diet and Nutrition: Many studies and interviews with supercentenarians point to a lifelong habit of moderation and healthy eating. Examples include the Mediterranean diet and other nutrient-rich approaches.
- Physical Activity: Regular, moderate physical activity, maintained throughout life, is a common thread among the very old. This can range from walking and gardening to more structured exercise.
- Mental and Social Well-being: High-stress levels can accelerate aging, and many supercentenarians emphasize their positive outlook and coping mechanisms for stress. Additionally, strong social connections and relationships with family and friends are consistently linked to a longer, healthier life.
- Environmental Factors: Where a person lives can play a role. Proximity to fresh food, clean air, and safe communities are considered social determinants of health that impact longevity.
Centenarians vs. Supercentenarians
Understanding the differences between those who live to 100 and those who exceed it offers insight into the rarity of living to 115.
| Feature | Centenarians (100+) | Supercentenarians (110+) |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence | Increasing in number; once rare, but now a growing demographic. | Exceedingly rare, with only a few hundred verified cases at any given time. |
| Genetics | Influenced by a combination of genetics and lifestyle; genetics play a lesser role than in supercentenarians. | Highly influenced by exceptional genetics that provide protection from age-related diseases. |
| Health Status | Many experience age-related diseases and a period of disability prior to death. | Tend to compress their morbidity, living a life free of major age-related diseases until very late in life. |
| Gender | About 85% are women; 15% are men. | The percentage of women is even higher, with estimates of up to 90% or more. |
| Key Trait | Often considered a "delayed aging" trajectory. | Seemingly possess a "disease resistance" ability. |
The Quest to Push the Limits of Human Life
The fact that some people reach 115 and beyond leads scientists to question the maximum potential human lifespan. Some studies using mathematical modeling have suggested a potential upper limit of 120 to 150 years. However, others argue that there is no absolute limit and that advances in medicine and lifestyle could continue to extend it. The continued study of supercentenarians and their unique biological resilience is central to this research.
Ultimately, while the feat of living to 115 is a testament to the rarest combination of genetic fortune and healthy living, it has been achieved by a verified and growing number of individuals. The stories of these incredibly long-lived people offer a window into what is possible at the farthest reaches of human existence.
Further research into this remarkable group of people is ongoing. To learn more about centenarians and supercentenarians, you can explore the resources provided by the New England Centenarian Study at the Boston University Medical Campus: https://www.bumc.bu.edu/centenarian/.
