The World Record for the Oldest Person
The idea of living to 140 years old captures the human imagination, but according to organizations that verify extreme age, no human has ever verifiably reached this milestone. The official and long-standing record for the longest human lifespan belongs to Jeanne Calment, a French woman who lived from 1875 to 1997, achieving an age of 122 years and 164 days. For men, the oldest verified individual was Jiroemon Kimura of Japan, who lived to be 116 years and 54 days old. These records highlight the biological barriers and rarity of reaching even the early stages of supercentenarian status, which is defined as living to 110 or older.
Unverified Claims and Longevity Myths
Historically, numerous claims of people living to 130, 140, or even older have surfaced around the world. These reports are considered longevity myths and often lack the robust documentation required by modern demographic science. Verification for extraordinary age relies on multiple independent sources, such as birth certificates, census records, and marriage licenses, to prevent fraud or confusion over identity. For example, a man named Mbah Gotho from Indonesia claimed to be 145 years old, but his age could not be independently verified, relegating his case to the realm of unsupported folklore.
Notable Unverified Longevity Claims
- Mbah Gotho (Indonesia): Claimed to have been born in 1870, but his age was never officially verified, making the alleged age of 145 unsubstantiated.
- Hanna Barysevich (Belarus): Another reported claim of living to 118, which was demographically plausible but never fully verified with official records.
- Susie Brunson (United States): A claim from the 1970s and 80s that cited her age as 123, but without adequate proof.
The Science Behind Extreme Longevity
The study of human aging, known as gerontology, explores the factors that allow some individuals to live significantly longer than the average lifespan. While genetics are estimated to account for about 25% of the variation in human lifespan, lifestyle and environmental factors are crucial. Scientists studying supercentenarians have found that they often possess genetic markers that help them resist age-related diseases and repair cellular damage more effectively.
However, there appears to be a natural biological limit to human lifespan. As noted by a study published in Nature Aging in 2024, increases in human life expectancy have slowed in wealthier nations, suggesting we may be nearing a natural ceiling on how long humans can live. This contrasts with optimistic headlines that might suggest a 140-year lifespan is just around the corner due to modern medicine, without providing a reality check.
Comparison of Verified vs. Unverified Long-Life Claims
| Feature | Verified Record-Holders | Unverified 140-Year-Old Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Age | 122 years, 164 days (Jeanne Calment) | 140+ years (Mbah Gotho claim) |
| Age Documentation | Supported by birth records, census data, etc. | Lacks sufficient, credible, and independent proof |
| Scientific Consensus | Widely accepted and studied by gerontologists | Regarded as folklore or unprovable anecdotes |
| Contribution to Science | Provides valuable genetic and lifestyle insights | Does not provide valid data for scientific study |
| Reliability | High, backed by rigorous verification process | Low to nonexistent |
The Lifestyle of the World's Oldest People
While genetic luck plays a role, researchers have identified common lifestyle traits among centenarians and supercentenarians. Inhabitants of "Blue Zones," such as Sardinia and Okinawa, are known for having higher-than-average longevity and provide a blueprint for a long, healthy life.
Habits of the Longest-Lived
- Primarily plant-based diet: Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
- Moderate exercise: Integrating natural, daily movement like walking and gardening into life.
- A strong sense of purpose: Having a reason to wake up in the morning, which is linked to longer life expectancy.
- Stress reduction techniques: Such as praying, napping, or socializing, to combat chronic stress.
- Strong social and family bonds: Close-knit communities and prioritizing family, which offers emotional support and lowers disease and mortality rates.
- Moderate alcohol consumption: Regular, moderate intake (often wine), particularly with meals and friends, is seen among long-lived populations, though is not a prerequisite for longevity.
- Calorie restriction: The Okinawan practice of hara hachi bu, or eating until 80% full, is widely practiced among the long-lived.
Conclusion: The Reality of Reaching 140
In conclusion, no verified 140 year old man exists today or has ever been officially documented. The scientifically confirmed maximum human lifespan remains at 122 years and 164 days, a record held by Jeanne Calment. While the quest for extreme longevity is a fascinating topic, it is important to distinguish between scientifically verified records and unverifiable claims. The path to a long life, as observed in studies of centenarians, is not a mystical formula but a combination of fortunate genetics, a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise, and strong social connections. For now, reaching the age of 140 remains beyond the limits of current human biology, but ongoing scientific research continues to unravel the mysteries of aging.
