The Last Survivors of 1908
According to the Gerontology Wiki and confirmed by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), the cohort of people born in 1908 is now extinct. The last verified person from this birth year was Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who died on April 30, 2025, at the age of 116 years and 326 days. Her death marked the end of the line for all known survivors of 1908. This milestone is a rare, but natural, part of the process of human longevity research, confirming the extreme scarcity of individuals reaching such a venerable age.
The Science of Extreme Longevity
Reaching an age beyond 110, known as becoming a supercentenarian, is an incredibly rare event. Longevity research indicates that only about one in 1,000 centenarians (those aged 100+) live to see their 110th birthday. For those who reach such an age, the process is a complex interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Genetics account for an estimated 20-30% of an individual's lifespan potential, but lifestyle and other factors play a much larger role, particularly in determining healthspan—the number of years lived in good health.
Some of the key elements contributing to healthy aging and extreme longevity include:
- Diet and Nutrition: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, often associated with Mediterranean or Okinawan diets, are linked to longer, healthier lives.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise, even moderate activity, can significantly reduce the risk of age-related diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Cognitive and Social Engagement: Supercentenarians often exhibit robust mental and social engagement, suggesting that an active mind and strong community ties are important for late-life health.
- Resilience and Mental Attitude: Many supercentenarians share a certain resilience and a positive outlook. The late Jeanne Calment, who lived to be 122, was known for her sense of humor and love of life.
Life Expectancy Then vs. Now
It is helpful to compare the world a person born in 1908 entered versus the one we inhabit today. Significant shifts in medicine, public health, and living standards have drastically altered the landscape of human life.
| Factor | World in 1908 | World Today (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Global Life Expectancy | Under 40 years | Over 70 years |
| Top Causes of Death | Infectious diseases, high infant mortality, poor sanitation | Age-related chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, cancer) |
| Medical Technology | Vaccines for diseases like smallpox existed, but widespread immunization was uncommon; antibiotics were still decades away | Widespread vaccination, advanced antibiotics, sophisticated diagnostic tools (CT scans, etc.), specialized care for chronic diseases |
| Public Health | Limited sewage systems and access to clean water in many areas; poor nutrition was common | Improved sanitation, clean water access, and nutritional standards are widespread in developed nations |
This comparison highlights why survival to 116 years, like Inah Canabarro Lucas, was so exceptional. The 1908 birth cohort lived through two world wars, the 1918 influenza pandemic, the Great Depression, and countless other global events that posed significant health risks throughout their lives. Their survival was a triumph against the odds of their era, showcasing incredible resilience.
The Future of Longevity
Ongoing research into the limits of human longevity suggests that we may see more and more people reaching ages well beyond 110. Scientists are studying the genetics of the long-lived, as well as factors like epigenetics (how lifestyle and environment affect gene expression), to unlock the secrets of what makes a body age more slowly. The goal is not just to extend life, but to extend healthspan so that more people can enjoy their later years with vitality and purpose.
For most people, the path to a long and healthy life lies in adopting proven lifestyle habits. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking have all been shown to increase life expectancy and reduce the risk of chronic disease. While the chance of becoming a supercentenarian is still exceptionally rare, the chance of adding more healthy, fulfilling years to one's life is very real and attainable for many.
Conclusion
No, based on validated records, no person born in 1908 is still alive. The passing of the last known member of this birth cohort, Inah Canabarro Lucas, marked the end of an era. Her incredible lifespan serves as a testament to the remarkable capabilities of the human body and the significant strides in healthcare and living standards over the last century. While the mystery of extreme longevity continues to captivate researchers, for the average person, the focus remains on leveraging a healthy lifestyle to extend both life and healthspan for as long as possible.
To learn more about the science of aging, you can visit the National Institute on Aging website.
