The last person from the 1906 birth cohort
In the specialized field of gerontology, which studies the process and phenomena of aging, the verification of extremely old individuals is taken very seriously. For a person to be considered a "supercentenarian" (age 110 or older), their birth date must be thoroughly validated using multiple records and sources. The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records serve as authoritative bodies in this process.
For the 1906 birth cohort, the last validated survivor was Tekla Juniewicz of Poland. Born on June 10, 1906, she lived to be 116 years and 70 days old before her passing on August 19, 2022. Her death marked the end of the line for all verified individuals born in that year, and is documented as a key event in tracking extreme human longevity. Interestingly, her death came after that of the last verified person born in 1905, showing that cohort extinction doesn't always happen in a perfectly linear progression.
The rarity of supercentenarians
Achieving the status of a supercentenarian is an incredibly rare feat. While the number of people living to 100 has steadily increased over the past few decades, thanks to improvements in public health and medical care, the likelihood of living much beyond that drops off dramatically.
- One estimate suggests that about 1 in 1,000 centenarians goes on to become a supercentenarian.
- As of 2025, the world's oldest living person, Ethel Caterham of the UK, was born in 1909, making her 116 years old.
- Supercentenarians often exhibit a phenomenon known as "compression of morbidity," where they remain in relatively good health until a short period before their death, escaping many age-related diseases that affect others earlier in life.
What do supercentenarians have in common?
Researchers have dedicated significant effort to understanding the factors behind exceptional longevity. It is clear that a mix of genetics, lifestyle, and environment play a role. Here are some key findings:
- Genetics: Studies of supercentenarian families have shown that longevity tends to run in families. Certain gene variants that protect against age-related diseases, improve DNA repair, and regulate immune response have been identified.
- Lifestyle: Many supercentenarians share common lifestyle traits. This often includes maintaining a healthy weight, following a traditional diet (like the Mediterranean or Okinawan diet), engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking.
- Resilience: The ability to cope with stress and endure hard times is a frequently observed trait. A positive mental attitude is also often cited by the very old as a secret to their longevity.
- Social Connectivity: Strong social relationships and a solid support network are consistently linked to a longer, healthier life. Many supercentenarians remain connected with family and community throughout their lives.
Comparing health profiles: Typical elderly vs. supercentenarians
Research has highlighted stark differences in the health challenges faced by typical older adults versus the exceptionally long-lived. This table provides a simplified comparison.
| Health Aspect | Typical Older Adult (65+) | Supercentenarian (110+) |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Conditions | High prevalence of multiple chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. | Marked delay or escape from common age-related diseases like cancer and heart disease. |
| Cause of Death | Leading causes include heart disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases. | More likely to be attributed to pneumonia, frailty, or simply "old age". |
| Functional Decline | Gradual decline over many years. | Compressed into a shorter period right before death, with many remaining independent until very late in life. |
| Recovery from Illness | Slower recovery times and higher risk from infections like influenza. | Can exhibit surprising resilience, such as Ethel Caterham surviving COVID-19 at age 110. |
The ongoing study of human lifespan
While no one born in 1906 remains with us, the study of supercentenarians is a dynamic and evolving field. Researchers continue to analyze demographic data and genetic markers to better understand the secrets of human longevity. The number of validated living supercentenarians changes constantly as the very old pass away and new, verifiable cases emerge. Organizations like the Gerontology Research Group maintain a public list to track these unique individuals and advance scientific understanding. The goal is not just to extend lifespan but to improve "healthspan"—the number of healthy years lived.
For more detailed information on specific supercentenarians and their validation, interested readers can refer to the Gerontology Wiki, which meticulously documents these rare cases: List of supercentenarians born in 1906.
A look to the future of longevity
While the 1906 cohort is gone, the demographic trend of an aging global population continues. The increasing number of centenarians means that the pool of potential supercentenarians is also expanding. Future advancements in medicine and technology may continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, but for now, those who reach extreme old age remain a small, special group. Their unique stories and biology continue to provide valuable lessons in health, resilience, and the fascinating journey of life.
Ultimately, the lives of those like Tekla Juniewicz remind us of the preciousness of every year and the remarkable endurance of the human spirit. The pursuit of longevity science ensures that their experiences, and the milestones they reached, contribute to a greater understanding of healthy aging for all.
