The question of human longevity is a source of endless fascination. While modern medicine and improved living conditions have extended average life expectancies, the absolute upper limits of the human lifespan are still being explored. This brings us to the core question: has anyone lived 123 years?
As of today, the answer is no. According to official records validated by international bodies like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records, no human has verifiably reached their 123rd birthday. The single-most documented and recognized case of extreme longevity remains Jeanne Calment of France.
The Gold Standard: Jeanne Calment's 122 Years
Jeanne Louise Calment, born on February 21, 1875, and died on August 4, 1997, is the only person in history to have her age of 122 years and 164 days meticulously authenticated. Her life spanned an incredible period of history; she was born before the invention of the telephone and lived to see the rise of the internet. Living in Arles, France, for her entire life, she famously met Vincent van Gogh in her father's shop in 1888.
A Lifestyle of Indulgence?
Interestingly, Calment's lifestyle was far from what modern longevity experts might recommend. She was known to enjoy port wine, consume up to two pounds of chocolate per week, and smoked cigarettes until she was 117. She attributed her long life to a diet rich in olive oil, a calm disposition, and a good sense of humor, once joking, "I've only ever had one wrinkle, and I'm sitting on it."
Despite her habits, scientists believe a rare combination of robust genetics, a low-stress environment, and physical activity (she took up fencing at 85 and rode a bicycle until she was 100) contributed to her extreme age. Her case is often seen as an outlier, where genetics may have provided a powerful defense against environmental and lifestyle-related risks.
The Controversy and Validation
In 2018, Russian researchers proposed a theory that Jeanne Calment had actually died in 1934 and that her daughter, Yvonne, assumed her identity to avoid inheritance taxes. This claim suggested the woman who died in 1997 was only 99. However, a team of French and Swiss researchers reviewed the extensive documentation—including census data, photographs, and interviews—and reaffirmed the original validation, dismissing the identity-switch theory as baseless. Her record as the oldest person ever remains officially recognized.
Pushing the Limits: Other Supercentenarians
While Jeanne Calment stands alone past 122, a select group of individuals known as supercentenarians (those who live to 110 or older) have come close. Verifying these claims is a rigorous process, as birth records from the late 19th and early 20th centuries can be unreliable.
Comparison of Notable Supercentenarians
| Name | Lifespan | Country | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeanne Calment | 122 years, 164 days | France | The oldest verified person in history. Met Vincent van Gogh. |
| Kane Tanaka | 119 years, 107 days | Japan | Died in 2022. Enjoyed soda, chocolate, and board games. |
| Sarah Knauss | 119 years, 97 days | United States | The oldest verified American. Lived a quiet and tranquil life. |
| Lucile Randon | 118 years, 340 days | France | Also known as Sister André. The oldest known survivor of COVID-19. |
| Jiroemon Kimura | 116 years, 54 days | Japan | The oldest verified man in history. Attributed his longevity to small portions. |
The Science of Longevity
What enables some people to live so long? Research points to a complex interplay of factors.
Key Factors in Longevity
- Genetics: Specific genes, like variants of FOXO3A, are associated with a longer lifespan. Family history is a strong predictor; many supercentenarians have relatives who also lived exceptionally long lives.
- Lifestyle: While Calment was an exception, most long-lived individuals follow healthy habits. The American Society for Nutrition highlights eight key habits for a longer life:
- Being physically active
- Not smoking
- Managing stress
- Eating a healthy diet
- Avoiding binge drinking
- Good sleep hygiene
- Positive social relationships
- Avoiding opioid addiction
- Environment: Factors such as access to quality healthcare, sanitation, and low levels of pollution and stress contribute significantly.
- Social Connection: Strong social ties and a sense of community are consistently linked to better health and a longer life.
The Future of Human Lifespan
Scientists continue to debate the theoretical maximum human lifespan. Some argue that without major biomedical breakthroughs, it may be capped around 115-125 years. Others believe that advances in genetic engineering and regenerative medicine could one day push these limits even further. The Gerontology Research Group continues to be a leading authority in tracking and authenticating these incredible individuals.
Conclusion: The 122-Year Record Stands
To date, Jeanne Calment remains the sole person verified to have lived past her 122nd birthday. While there have been unverified claims of individuals living longer—including a Bolivian man named Carmelo Flores Laura who claimed to be 123—none have stood up to the rigorous scrutiny required for official validation. The 123-year milestone remains an unbroken barrier in human history, a testament to the profound rarity and complexity of extreme longevity.
