The Final Person from the 19th Century
As of April 15, 2017, the answer to the question, “Is anyone born in 1899 still alive?” became a definitive no. On that day, Emma Martina Luigia Morano, the world's oldest living person at the time, passed away in Verbania, Italy, at the age of 117. Her death closed the final chapter on the 19th century, as she was the last verified person to have been born in that era. Morano was born on November 29, 1899, and her incredible lifespan spanned three centuries, during which she witnessed the advent of modern technology, two world wars, and countless societal shifts.
Emma Morano's longevity drew significant media attention and interest from scientists studying the secrets of extreme aging. While much of her story is inspirational, she attributed her long life to a rather unique diet: three eggs per day (two raw and one cooked) for over 90 years, a habit she began after a doctor's recommendation following a diagnosis of anemia. This, combined with her genetic predisposition—her mother and several sisters also lived to advanced ages—and a positive outlook, contributed to her remarkable health span.
A Look into Supercentenarians
Emma Morano was a supercentenarian, a term for a person who lives to be 110 years or older. This exclusive club is comprised of only a tiny fraction of centenarians (those who reach 100). Reaching this milestone is a statistical anomaly, and studying these individuals provides valuable information on the outer limits of human biological possibility.
The All-Time Record Holder
While Emma Morano was the last person born in the 1800s, she was not the oldest person ever. That record belongs to Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old before her death in 1997. Calment's life, documented in detail through census records and medical studies, represents the longest independently verified human lifespan. Her record has stood for decades, and while some studies have suggested a theoretical maximum human lifespan beyond her age, breaking her record remains extremely rare.
Comparison of Extreme Longevity
To put the rarity of these individuals into perspective, here is a comparison of two record-holders:
| Feature | Emma Morano | Jeanne Calment |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1899 | 1875 |
| Death Year | 2017 | 1997 |
| Final Age | 117 years, 137 days | 122 years, 164 days |
| Last of Century? | Yes, 19th Century | No |
| Nationality | Italian | French |
| Notable for | Last verified person born in 1800s | Oldest verified person ever |
The Role of Genes, Lifestyle, and Environment
The science behind extreme longevity is complex and involves a mix of factors. For individuals who live to 110 and beyond, genetics often plays a significant role, but it is not the only piece of the puzzle.
- Genetic Predisposition: Many supercentenarians come from families with a history of long life. Research has identified specific genetic variants, such as the FOXO3A gene, which are more common in people who live to 100 or more. These genes may influence cellular repair, metabolism, and immune function.
- Lifestyle Factors: While genetics provides a foundation, lifestyle is crucial. Research consistently highlights the importance of:
- Maintaining a healthy diet rich in nutrients and low in empty calories.
- Regular physical activity to maintain mobility and strength.
- Sustaining mental and social engagement to support cognitive function.
- Resilience and Outlook: Many centenarians and supercentenarians are noted for their positive, resilient personalities and ability to manage stress. Emma Morano herself famously said, “I think that the most important thing is to think positively”.
The Challenges of Advanced Age
While the pursuit of extended life is a fascinating subject, it is important to address the challenges that accompany extreme longevity. An increase in lifespan does not always mean an increase in "healthspan"—the period of life spent in good health.
- Chronic Disease: The prevalence of chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and dementia rises significantly with age. Most supercentenarians experience multiple health problems, though they often exhibit a slower progression of age-related decline.
- Physical and Cognitive Decline: Mobility, memory, and sensory functions often decline with advanced age, which can lead to increased frailty and dependence on care.
- Social and Financial Issues: The social and financial implications of living to 115+ are substantial. There are concerns about outliving financial resources, the viability of pension systems, and the availability of adequate long-term care.
To prepare for this demographic shift, societies must re-evaluate approaches to healthcare and retirement planning. The National Council on Aging offers facts on healthy aging that can help shape policy and personal decisions for a longer, healthier life.
Conclusion
The question, "Is anyone born in 1899 still alive?" serves as a portal into understanding the remarkable advances in human health and longevity over the last century. With the passing of Emma Morano, the last person from the 19th century, we are reminded of the profound changes and increases in lifespan. However, as the number of centenarians continues to grow, so does our need to address the challenges of aging. The focus for healthy aging is now shifting from simply extending life to improving the quality of those later years, ensuring that more people can not only live longer but live healthier as well.
