The question of how long humans can live has captivated us for centuries. While living to 100 is a remarkable achievement, the barrier of 120 seems almost mythical. Yet, it's a barrier that has been broken. Understanding the lives of those who have reached this incredible age, known as supercentenarians, gives us valuable insights into the interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and pure chance.
The Record Holder: A Class of Her Own
The definitive answer to the question is a resounding yes, thanks to one person: Jeanne Calment of France. Born on February 21, 1875, and passing away on August 4, 1997, she lived to the age of 122 years and 164 days. Her lifespan is the longest ever to be officially verified, making her the only person documented to have unequivocally lived past 120.
A Life That Defied Convention
Jeanne Calment's life is a study in contradictions when it comes to modern health advice. She lived a relatively leisurely life in Arles, France, and had some habits that experts would frown upon:
- Diet: She was fond of olive oil, port wine, and reportedly ate over two pounds of chocolate a week.
- Smoking: She smoked cigarettes from age 21 until she was 117.
- Activity: Despite her indulgences, she remained physically active, taking up fencing at 85 and riding a bicycle until she was 100.
Her famous wit and low-stress attitude may have been key. She once quipped, "I've only ever had one wrinkle, and I'm sitting on it." She attributed her longevity to her sense of humor and a calm demeanor, famously advising, "If you can’t change something, don’t worry about it." Her life challenges the idea that there's a single, rigid path to a long life.
The Men's Record and Other Notable Supercentenarians
While Jeanne Calment is in a league of her own, other individuals have come close to the 120-year mark, providing further clues about longevity.
Jiroemon Kimura: The Oldest Man Ever
The oldest verified man in history was Jiroemon Kimura of Japan. Born on April 19, 1897, he lived to be 116 years and 54 days old, passing away in 2013. Unlike Calment, his lifestyle was one of moderation and discipline. He practiced hara hachi bun me—eating until you are 80% full. His diet consisted of rice porridge, miso soup, and vegetables. Kimura's life suggests a more traditional path to longevity, emphasizing moderation and a healthy diet.
A Comparison of Longevity Lifestyles
| Feature | Jeanne Calment (122) | Jiroemon Kimura (116) |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Indulgent (chocolate, wine) | Moderate (80% full rule) |
| Smoking | Yes, until age 117 | No |
| Physical Activity | Active into old age | Active, worked until 90 |
| Attitude | Low-stress, humorous | Disciplined, health-conscious |
| Nationality | French | Japanese |
The Science of Longevity: Nature vs. Nurture
So, what allows someone to live past 110 or even 120? Scientists believe it's a complex combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environment.
The Genetic Lottery
Studies on centenarians suggest that genetics play a significant role in extreme longevity, possibly accounting for 25-30% of the equation. Siblings of centenarians have a much higher chance of living longer than the general population. Specific genes, like variants of APOE and FOXO3, have been linked to a longer lifespan as they help protect against age-related diseases.
Lessons from the "Blue Zones"
Researcher Dan Buettner identified five regions in the world where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. These "Blue Zones" include:
- Okinawa, Japan: A plant-based diet, strong social networks (moai), and a sense of purpose (ikigai).
- Sardinia, Italy: A region with a high number of male centenarians. Their lifestyle includes daily physical activity from shepherding and a strong family focus.
- Nicoya, Costa Rica: A diet based on beans, corn, and squash, plus a sense of purpose (plan de vida).
- Icaria, Greece: A Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil and vegetables, afternoon naps, and strong community ties.
- Loma Linda, California: A community of Seventh-day Adventists who are predominantly vegetarian and prioritize faith and community.
These zones share common lifestyle themes: a mostly plant-based diet, regular natural movement, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose.
Common Traits of the World's Oldest People
Beyond diet and exercise, researchers have identified several common psychological and social traits among centenarians and supercentenarians:
- Positive Attitude: An optimistic outlook and a good sense of humor are common.
- Resilience: The ability to adapt to and recover from stress and loss is a key characteristic.
- Social Connection: Maintaining strong bonds with family, friends, and community is vital.
- Conscientiousness: Being disciplined and responsible has been linked to longer life.
Conclusion: Can You Live to 120?
While only one person has verifiably crossed the 120-year threshold, the study of supercentenarians shows that the potential for a long and healthy life is influenced by a mix of factors. Jeanne Calment may have won a unique genetic lottery that allowed her to thrive despite some unhealthy habits. For most people, however, the path to a long life aligns more with the lessons from the Blue Zones: a healthy diet, consistent movement, strong community bonds, and a positive, purposeful outlook.
Extreme longevity remains a rare phenomenon, but the principles learned from those who achieve it can help everyone improve their own healthspan—the number of years lived in good health. For more information on healthy aging, you can visit the National Institute on Aging.
