Is anyone 111 years old? A Look at Living Supercentenarians

According to the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), there are numerous validated supercentenarians—people aged 110 or older—living around the world at any given time. Therefore, the answer to 'is anyone 111 years old?' is yes, and there are many such individuals, though they are an exceptionally rare population.

Quick Summary

Many people have reached the age of 111, falling into the category of supercentenarians. This group is extremely rare, and their identities are tracked by research organizations like the Gerontology Research Group to verify longevity claims.

Key Points

• Supercentenarian Milestone: Yes, there are many individuals who are 111 years old; they are part of an elite group known as supercentenarians, defined as anyone 110 or older.

• Tracking by Experts: Organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records track and validate the ages of supercentenarians globally, including those at 111 years old.

• Rarity of the Age: Reaching the age of 111 is extremely rare, achieved by about one in every thousand centenarians.

• Factors of Longevity: A combination of good genetics, healthy lifestyle habits, a positive outlook, and a degree of luck are often cited as contributing to a person reaching such an advanced age.

• Ongoing Research: The study of supercentenarians provides critical insights into the human aging process, including the tendency for some individuals to experience a shorter period of illness before death.

• Validation Process: The age of a supercentenarian is verified through a rigorous process involving the review of multiple primary and secondary source documents.

• Gender and Genetics: Statistical data shows a higher prevalence of women among supercentenarians, suggesting a biological advantage for female longevity.

Who Tracks Living Supercentenarians?

Longevity experts and organizations around the world track individuals who have reached extreme old age, a group known as supercentenarians. The most authoritative of these is the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), which maintains a global database of validated supercentenarians. Their rigorous verification process involves confirming birth dates through official documents, making their data the gold standard for records like the Guinness World Records.

Being 111 years old is a significant milestone, placing an individual among a very small and elite group of the population. As of September 2025, the GRG's World Supercentenarian Rankings List shows dozens of validated individuals at this age or older. The list fluctuates constantly as new records are validated and, tragically, individuals pass away. The GRG and other longevity researchers estimate that there are likely hundreds of supercentenarians alive at any one time, though many are not officially known or validated.

Notable 111-Year-Olds Throughout History

Over the years, many people have held the title of oldest living person at the age of 111 before continuing on to even more advanced ages. For example, in April 2024, Guinness World Records confirmed that John Alfred Tinniswood of the UK was the world's oldest man at 111 years old. He earned the title after the previous record holder, Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, passed away at 114. His longevity was attributed by Tinniswood himself to a simple philosophy: "Just luck".

Another example is the American supercentenarian Vanesta Gray, who turned 111 in September 2025 and was recognized as the oldest living person in Nebraska. These individual stories highlight that while the feat is rare, it is an attainable milestone for a select few across the globe, spanning different cultures, genders, and backgrounds.

Factors Influencing Supercentenarian Status

Becoming a supercentenarian is a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While many who achieve this age, like John Tinniswood, simply credit it to luck, scientific research points to a combination of contributing elements:

• Genetics: Studies of supercentenarians often find a genetic component that allows for exceptional longevity. This can include genes that are protective against age-related diseases.
• Environment and Lifestyle: Living in "Blue Zones" and other areas with high concentrations of centenarians and supercentenarians suggests environmental and lifestyle factors play a role. This can include a healthy diet, social integration, and active lifestyles.
• Resilience and Outlook: Anecdotal evidence suggests many supercentenarians possess a positive outlook and resilience to life's stresses. They often adapt to changing circumstances with a stable and calm temperament.

The Supercentenarian Journey: A Comparative Look

The journey to becoming a supercentenarian differs markedly from that of an average-lived person. Here's a comparison:

Aspect	Supercentenarians	Average Lifespan
Genetics	Often possess unique genetic markers for longevity.	Typical genetic makeup, with varying susceptibility to diseases.
Disease Trajectory	Frequently compress morbidity, experiencing a shorter period of illness near the end of life.	Suffer from chronic illnesses for years or decades before passing.
Cognitive Function	Many maintain remarkable cognitive function well into their later years.	Cognitive decline, such as dementia, is more common and often severe.
Resilience	Display higher psychological and physiological resilience to stress and major events.	Varying levels of resilience; major life events can significantly impact health.
Daily Life	Often enjoy simple pleasures and maintain routines, finding joy in daily existence.	Daily life can be more medically intensive, focused on managing multiple conditions.

The Validation Process for 111-Year-Olds

When a person reaches 111, their age is meticulously validated to be added to official records. The process, especially for those born in the early 20th century, can be challenging due to less comprehensive record-keeping. This validation is carried out by organizations like the Gerontology Research Group.

Key steps in the validation process include:

1. Collecting Primary Evidence: Researchers gather primary source documents, such as birth certificates, baptismal records, and early censuses.
2. Gathering Secondary Evidence: Where primary sources are unavailable, secondary evidence is collected. This can include marriage certificates, military service records, and records of children or siblings.
3. Cross-Referencing: All gathered evidence is cross-referenced with public and genealogical records to confirm consistency.
4. Pending and Final Validation: If the evidence is strong, the supercentenarian is added to a "pending" list and later moved to a "final" or "validated" list once all criteria are met.

This process ensures that extraordinary age claims are verified with certainty before being published, lending credibility to the study of extreme human longevity.

Conclusion

Is anyone 111 years old? Absolutely. While they represent a tiny fraction of the global population, these supercentenarians are living proof that human longevity can extend far beyond the typical life expectancy. Their existence provides valuable data for researchers and inspires the public with stories of remarkable endurance and resilience. By studying their lives and the factors contributing to their health, scientists hope to unlock the secrets to healthy aging for everyone. The work of organizations like the Gerontology Research Group is essential in documenting these exceptional individuals and advancing our understanding of human lifespans.

Interested in the research behind extreme aging? Learn more at the Gerontology Research Group website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are 111 years old?

It is difficult to determine the exact number of people who are 111 years old at any one moment because not all supercentenarians are known to researchers. However, reputable organizations like the Gerontology Research Group track a list of validated supercentenarians, which includes many individuals at or above this age. The total number is estimated to be in the hundreds worldwide.

How rare is it to be 111 years old?

Being 111 years old is exceptionally rare. To put it in perspective, only a tiny fraction of centenarians (people who live to 100 or older) go on to become supercentenarians (110 or older). According to some estimates, this occurs for only about 1 in every 1,000 centenarians.

Who was a notable 111-year-old recently?

John Alfred Tinniswood of the United Kingdom was famously confirmed by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living man in April 2024, at the age of 111. He later turned 112 before his death in November 2024.

What is the secret to reaching 111 years old?

There is no single 'secret' to reaching such an advanced age. Many who achieve this milestone, like John Tinniswood, simply credit it to luck. Scientific research suggests that a combination of factors plays a role, including genetics, a healthy lifestyle with moderate habits, and a positive mindset.

What happens when a person reaches 111?

For those whose age is validated, reaching 111 means joining the distinguished ranks of supercentenarians tracked by research bodies. Often, their milestone birthday brings public recognition, media attention, and a surge of interest in their life story.

Are there more 111-year-old women or men?

Statistically, there are far more women than men among supercentenarians. For example, a recent list from the Gerontology Research Group shows that the vast majority of validated supercentenarians are female. This reflects a general trend of female longevity surpassing male longevity across all age groups.

How is a supercentenarian's age verified?

The age verification process involves extensive research by gerontology experts. They examine primary source documents, like birth and baptismal records, and cross-reference them with secondary sources, such as census and marriage records. This rigorous validation ensures the accuracy of age claims.