The quest for longevity is a timeless human endeavor, sparking curiosity and scientific inquiry. It leads many to wonder about the absolute limits of the human lifespan and to ask the pointed question: Is anyone in the world 120 years old today?
The short and direct answer is no. As of late 2025, there are no living, verified supercentenarians who have reached the age of 120.
The One and Only: Jeanne Calment
The benchmark for extreme longevity was set by one remarkable woman: Jeanne Louise Calment of France. She is the only person in history whose age has been officially validated to have surpassed 120 years.
- Born: February 21, 1875
- Died: August 4, 1997
- Final Age: 122 years and 164 days
Born in Arles, France, Calment lived through a staggering period of history. She witnessed the invention of the telephone and the automobile, two World Wars, the advent of aviation, and the rise of the digital age. Her life story is as fascinating as her age. She took up fencing at 85, was still riding a bicycle at 100, and lived on her own until she was 110. She famously attributed her longevity to a diet rich in olive oil, an occasional glass of Port wine, and a sense of humor. Despite smoking for a large portion of her life (she reportedly quit at 117), her genetic good fortune and low-stress disposition are considered key factors in her extraordinary lifespan.
The Importance of Age Verification
Claims of extreme old age are common, but verification is a rigorous scientific process. Organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records are the primary bodies that validate supercentenarian ages. This process requires multiple forms of documentation from different points in a person's life, such as:
- Early-life records: A birth certificate or baptismal record from within a few years of birth.
- Mid-life records: Marriage certificates, census data, military records, or insurance policies.
- Late-life records: Recent identification and matching death certificates for deceased claimants.
This meticulous process ensures that claims are accurate and not based on memory, family lore, or identity mix-ups. Less than 2% of claims to age 115 or more are ever successfully validated.
Who Are the Oldest People Alive Today?
While no one is 120, the current roster of the world's oldest living people is still awe-inspiring. A person who has reached 110 years of age is known as a supercentenarian.
As of September 2025, the oldest validated living person is Ethel Caterham of the United Kingdom, who was born on August 21, 1909, making her 116 years old. The oldest validated living man is João Marinho Neto of Brazil, born October 5, 1912.
It's notable that women consistently dominate the lists of the oldest people, both currently living and throughout history.
Comparison of the Oldest Verified People in History
To put Jeanne Calment's age in perspective, here is a comparison of some of the oldest verified people ever recorded:
| Rank | Name | Country | Lived To (Age) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeanne Calment | France | 122 years, 164 days |
| 2 | Kane Tanaka | Japan | 119 years, 107 days |
| 3 | Sarah Knauss | United States | 119 years, 97 days |
| 4 | Lucile Randon | France | 118 years, 340 days |
| 5 | Jiroemon Kimura (Oldest Man) | Japan | 116 years, 54 days |
As the table shows, while several individuals have come close, Calment's record remains an outlier, standing over three years longer than the next oldest person.
Secrets to Longevity: What Do Supercentenarians Have in Common?
Researchers have long studied supercentenarians to unlock the secrets to a long and healthy life. While genetics undeniably play a crucial role, certain lifestyle and environmental factors, often seen in 'Blue Zones' (regions with a high number of centenarians), appear to be common threads.
Key Lifestyle Factors:
- Diet: Many supercentenarians consume a predominantly plant-based diet, low in processed foods and sugar. The Okinawan practice of 'hara hachi bu' (eating until you are 80% full) is a form of calorie control linked to longevity.
- Natural Movement: Rather than intense gym sessions, most long-lived people engage in regular, low-intensity physical activity like walking, gardening, and daily chores.
- Strong Social Connections: A robust social life, close family ties, and a sense of belonging are consistently linked to a longer lifespan. Feeling part of a community provides emotional and mental support.
- Purpose and Outlook: Having a reason to wake up in the morning, known as 'ikigai' in Japan, contributes to mental well-being. Furthermore, a positive outlook and effective stress management are common traits.
- Moderation: While some supercentenarians have indulged in habits like drinking alcohol or eating sweets, the key is almost always moderation.
Conclusion: A Feat for the Ages
Reaching the age of 120 is a feat so rare that only one person in all of human history is confirmed to have achieved it. While science continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthy aging, the 120-year milestone remains an elusive and exceptional pinnacle of human longevity. The lives of Jeanne Calment and other supercentenarians offer valuable clues, suggesting that a combination of good genes, a healthy lifestyle, strong community ties, and a positive outlook are the cornerstones of a long and well-lived life.
