The Rarity of Living to 115
Reaching the age of 115 is an extraordinary feat of human longevity, placing individuals among the oldest people in verified history. While the overall number of centenarians (people who live to 100 or more) is increasing globally, the number of supercentenarians who surpass the 115-year mark remains very small. The Gerontology Research Group (GRG), a leading authority on validating extreme age claims, confirms that only a tiny fraction of supercentenarians ever reach this milestone.
The Verified Statistics
According to the Gerontology Wiki and other sources, there have been fewer than 100 people whose claims of reaching 115 years or more have been indisputably verified. As of September 2025, only a handful of individuals are documented as being 115 or older. This group includes Ethel Caterham, Marie-Rose Tessier, and Naomi Whitehead, who have all verifiably reached this age milestone. Historically, the oldest person ever whose age has been independently confirmed is Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old before her death in 1997.
Factors Contributing to Extreme Longevity
Scientists and gerontologists have long studied the factors that allow certain individuals to achieve such extreme longevity. Research suggests that a combination of factors, rather than a single 'secret,' is responsible.
- Genetics: Longevity often runs in families, suggesting a strong genetic component. Studies of supercentenarians and their families indicate that they have a significantly higher probability of survival to old age compared to the general population.
- Genetics vs. Environment: While genetics provides a predisposed advantage, environmental and lifestyle factors are also critical. Many supercentenarians, for example, have managed to avoid or delay major age-related diseases like heart disease, stroke, and cancer for most of their lives.
- Diet and Lifestyle: While there isn't one universal diet, some research points to patterns in the lifestyles of long-lived individuals. For instance, studies of Okinawan centenarians cite good nutrition and lower caloric intake as contributing factors. However, some anecdotes also highlight individuals who enjoyed habits typically seen as unhealthy, suggesting that genetic luck can sometimes overcome poor lifestyle choices.
- Luck: Given the multitude of factors that can end a life, from accidents to infectious diseases, a significant element of luck is undeniable in reaching such an advanced age.
The Difference Between Centenarians and Supercentenarians
It is important to distinguish between centenarians and supercentenarians, as the statistics and characteristics differ greatly. The population of centenarians, those 100 or older, is growing rapidly in industrialized nations. The U.S. Census Bureau reported a 50% increase in the American centenarian population between 2010 and 2020. However, becoming a supercentenarian (110 or older) is far rarer, and reaching 115 is an even more exclusive achievement.
Comparison of Centenarians and 115+ Year-Olds
| Characteristic | Centenarian (Age 100+) | 115+ Year-Old (Supercentenarian) |
|---|---|---|
| Incidence | Fairly rare, but numbers are increasing. Approx. 80,000 in the U.S. in 2020. | Exceptionally rare. Fewer than 100 verified individuals in history. |
| Path to Longevity | Often involves a combination of genetics and delayed onset of age-related disease. | Requires an extremely rare combination of genetic advantages, lucky circumstances, and a significant delay or escape from disease. |
| Sex Distribution | Roughly 90% are female, but the gender gap is not as extreme as among the oldest of the old. | Overwhelmingly female. Historically, only a tiny number of men have reached 115. |
| Morbidity | May experience a rapid decline in health in their final years. | Tend to compress morbidity, meaning they remain in relatively good health until very close to the end of their lives. |
| Age Verification | Can sometimes be difficult, with a higher rate of reporting errors in census data. | Subject to rigorous and stringent verification by organizations like the Gerontology Research Group due to the extreme age. |
The Future of Extreme Longevity
Forecasting the number of people who will live to 115 in the future is challenging. While increasing life expectancy and better healthcare might lead to more people living past 100 and even 110, the maximum human lifespan appears to be subject to different rules. The population of supercentenarians has grown over time, but the number of individuals reaching the most extreme ages suggests a potential limit to human longevity. Continued research into the genetics and lifestyle of supercentenarians will be key to understanding the boundaries of the human lifespan.
Conclusion
Very few people in recorded history have reached the age of 115. While the population of centenarians is growing, the level of supercentenarian status, particularly past 115, is an incredibly rare achievement. The factors involved include a powerful mix of favorable genetics, environmental influences, and a significant dose of luck. These individuals offer invaluable insights for researchers studying aging, showing that while most centenarians may experience a gradual decline, the very oldest often demonstrate a remarkable compression of morbidity, maintaining good health almost until the very end. The quest to understand the mechanisms behind this extreme longevity continues to be a central focus in gerontological research.
