No, the Last Person from 1905 Died in 2022
According to records meticulously maintained by research groups focused on validating the oldest people in the world, the last known survivor from the birth year 1905 was Antonia da Santa Cruz of Brazil. Born on June 13, 1905, she passed away on January 23, 2022, at the age of 116. Her passing marked the official 'cohort extinction' for all validated individuals born in that year. This means that while many individuals born in 1905 lived exceptionally long lives, the natural limits of human aging ultimately meant that none would survive past 2022.
The Rarity of Extreme Longevity
Living past 110 years old, a status known as a supercentenarian, is extremely uncommon. Demographers and gerontology researchers estimate there are only a few hundred supercentenarians in the world at any given time, and many claims of extreme age cannot be sufficiently validated. This makes Antonia da Santa Cruz's achievement and that of her contemporaries even more remarkable. The very small number of individuals who reach this age means that a single cohort, like those born in 1905, has a defined endpoint.
Who Are the Oldest People in the World Today?
Just a few years after the last survivor from 1905 passed, the torch of 'oldest living person' has been passed to individuals born later in the first decade of the 20th century. As of late 2025, the title of the world's oldest living person is held by Ethel Caterham of the United Kingdom, who was born in 1909 and has celebrated her 116th birthday. The Gerontology Research Group and other record-keeping bodies track these extraordinary individuals, and the rankings change as people pass away and new record-holders are verified.
The Science Behind Lifespan
What factors allow some people to live so much longer than others? While genetics play a role, influencing about 25% of the variation in human lifespan, the majority is determined by lifestyle and environment. Researchers who study supercentenarians have found some common patterns:
- Genetics: Specific gene variants can increase the likelihood of reaching extreme old age, but it's often a combination of many genes with small effects.
- Lifestyle Choices: Key habits include a healthy diet, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption.
- Mental and Social Engagement: Staying socially connected and maintaining a sense of purpose are strongly linked with longer lifespans.
- Resilience: A positive attitude and the ability to manage stress effectively are also noted among many centenarians and supercentenarians.
What People Born in 1905 Witnessed
A person born in 1905 would have experienced a century of profound change. Their life spanned two world wars, the Great Depression, the invention of television, the first moon landing, and the dawn of the internet age. The vast changes in technology, medicine, and social norms during their lifetime are hard to comprehend for later generations. For many, this unique perspective on history adds another layer to their remarkable longevity.
Key Figures and Record Holders
| Name | Birth Year | Age at Death | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeanne Calment | 1875 | 122 years, 164 days | The oldest person ever verified |
| Antonia da Santa Cruz | 1905 | 116 years, 224 days | Last validated survivor of her birth year |
| Kane Tanaka | 1903 | 119 years, 107 days | Former oldest living person, lived through two world wars |
| Ethel Caterham | 1909 | 116+ years | Current oldest validated living person |
The Path to a Healthier, Longer Life
While living to 116 like Antonia da Santa Cruz is extremely rare, the science of longevity offers practical lessons for everyone. Adopting healthy habits at any age can significantly improve your quality of life and potentially extend your healthy years. The recommendations from experts are often simple but powerful:
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on plant-based foods, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods and sugar.
- Stay active: Regular exercise, even moderate activities like walking, can boost mood and strengthen the body.
- Prioritize sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for overall health and recovery.
- Connect with others: Maintain strong social connections to support mental well-being.
- Manage stress: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or hobbies can help reduce the impact of stress.
Incorporating these habits, regardless of genetic predisposition, can help you live a longer, more vibrant life.
For more in-depth information on longevity research and healthy aging, an excellent resource is the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health. Read more about aging science here.
A Look Back at a Different World
The passing of the last individuals from the early 20th century highlights how much the world has changed. The 1905 generation witnessed life before cars were common, before commercial flight was a reality, and before modern medicine had eradicated many diseases. Their stories are a link to a profoundly different time, and their passing serves as a quiet reminder of the fleeting nature of human existence and the steady march of progress.
