Remembering Emma Morano, The Last Link to the 19th Century
Born on November 29, 1899, in Italy, Emma Martina Luigia Morano was the last remaining, verified individual born in the 1800s. Her death on April 15, 2017, at 117 years old, marked the end of the 19th century in terms of living witnesses. She lived through three centuries, experiencing immense global changes. Her life is a window into a past now beyond living memory.
The Supercentenarian Phenomenon
Emma Morano was a supercentenarian, someone who lives to 110 or beyond. While centenarians are more frequent, supercentenarians are exceedingly rare. Organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) meticulously verify the ages of these individuals using historical records to ensure accuracy. This process is crucial for validating claims of extreme longevity.
Life Lessons from a Long Life
Morano attributed her long life to several unique habits. Advised in her youth to consume two or three raw eggs daily for anemia, she continued this for over 90 years. She also remained single for most of her life after separating from her husband, stating she didn't want to be controlled. This independence, alongside a family history of longevity, is often considered a factor in her remarkable lifespan.
Factors often associated with extreme longevity, seen in individuals like Emma Morano, include:
- Genetics: A strong family history of long life is common. Morano's mother and several sisters lived into their 90s or past 100.
- Lifestyle: While Morano's diet was unconventional, a generally healthy lifestyle is linked to longer life.
- Positive Attitude: Morano's positive outlook may have contributed to her resilience.
- Social Connections: Strong social bonds are associated with better health and longevity.
What the World Looked Like in 1899
Considering the world in 1899 provides perspective on the length of Emma Morano's life:
- Technology: Electricity was not widespread, commercial radio was undeveloped, and automobiles were new.
- World Events: Queen Victoria was still on the throne in Britain. The 20th century, with its massive conflicts and changes, was just beginning.
- Medicine: Average life expectancy was much shorter than today, lacking modern sanitation, antibiotics, and many vaccines.
The Comparison of Extreme Longevity
The {Link: Gerontology Wiki https://gerontology.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_supercentenarians_born_in_1899} contains detailed lists of supercentenarians.
Longevity Research and Senior Care Today
Research into extreme longevity, informed by cases like Emma Morano's, impacts modern healthy aging and senior care. Organizations like the Gerontology Research Group continue to verify the ages of the oldest people, providing valuable data for studies. Modern senior care focuses on enhancing the quality of later life through personalized nutrition, physical and cognitive activities, and social support. While exceptional, Morano's life highlights the roles of genetics and resilience in achieving a remarkably long life.
Emma Morano, world's oldest person, dies at age 117
Conclusion
To answer the question, no one born in 1899 is still alive. Emma Morano, the final living person verified from that century, passed away in 2017. Her life story underscores the incredible span of human experience and the continued fascination with extreme longevity.
