Who are the oldest living people in the world?
Yes, there are individuals who have reached the remarkable age of 112 and beyond. These people are known as supercentenarians—those who have been verified to have lived past their 110th birthday. Reaching this age is an extraordinary achievement, and the list of verified living supercentenarians is constantly updated by expert organizations such as the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). The population of supercentenarians is very small, and their health and life histories are of great interest to scientists studying longevity.
As of late September 2025, the oldest living person in the world is Ethel Caterham of the United Kingdom, who was born on August 21, 1909, making her 116 years old. The oldest living man with a validated age is João Marinho Neto of Brazil, born on October 5, 1912, who is confirmed to be 112 years old. These verifiable cases underscore the fact that living to 112 is a difficult, but not impossible, milestone.
The Supercentenarian Rankings
Lists of the world's oldest people are maintained by gerontology experts and are frequently updated due to the natural turnover of this age group. A glance at the top of these lists reveals individuals who were born in the late 1900s and early 1910s. The rankings are based on rigorous age verification, requiring multiple documents to authenticate an individual's date of birth.
- Ethel Caterham (United Kingdom): The oldest living person as of September 2025, born in 1909, and a member of the elite group of individuals over 115 years old.
- João Marinho Neto (Brazil): The oldest living man as of September 2025, born in 1912, and a current example of a 112-year-old.
- Naomi Whitehead (USA): Born in September 1910, she is another one of the oldest living supercentenarians.
- Madeleine Dellamônica (France): A French supercentenarian who was born in July 1912.
- Louise Signore (USA): She was 112 years old as of August 2024, representing the age group in question.
The Science Behind Extreme Longevity
How do these individuals live so long? The reasons are complex and not fully understood. Scientists attribute the achievement of supercentenarian status to a combination of several key factors. While a healthy lifestyle is beneficial, it appears that genetics and a degree of luck play a significant role. Studies of supercentenarian genomes aim to uncover the biological mechanisms that allow some people to delay the onset of age-related diseases.
Research suggests that supercentenarians may possess genetic variations that provide protection against common ailments like heart disease, cancer, and stroke, allowing them to remain relatively healthy for an extended period. Demographers note that while overall lifespan has increased over the last century, the age achieved by the very oldest people has shown signs of plateauing, with some researchers suggesting a natural human limit around 115 years. Other studies, however, contest this idea and suggest that mortality rates may slow down at extreme ages.
Male vs. Female Longevity: A Statistical Comparison
Statistically, women are more likely to achieve extreme old age than men. This phenomenon is evident when observing the lists of the world's oldest people, where women consistently outnumber men by a significant margin.
| Aspect | Female Supercentenarians | Male Supercentenarians |
|---|---|---|
| Incidence | Significantly higher incidence of women living to 110+. | Much rarer occurrence. |
| Life Expectancy | Generally longer average lifespan compared to men. | Shorter average lifespan than women. |
| Oldest Ever Verified | Jeanne Calment (122 years, 164 days). | Jiroemon Kimura (116 years, 54 days). |
| Oldest Living (Sept 2025) | Ethel Caterham (116 years). | João Marinho Neto (112 years). |
| Contributing Factors | May be linked to biological differences, including hormonal factors and a higher survival rate throughout the lifespan. | Higher risk of mortality throughout the lifespan due to a range of biological and environmental factors. |
How does one become a validated supercentenarian?
The process of having one's age officially validated is a rigorous one. It involves more than just a birth certificate, especially for individuals who were born more than a century ago when record-keeping was less precise. Organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) require multiple forms of evidence to corroborate an age claim, such as census records, marriage licenses, and other official documents. The journey to becoming a supercentenarian is truly exceptional, and the individuals who reach this milestone are the very definition of a statistical anomaly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, there are validated individuals who are 112 years old. As of late 2025, the oldest living man, João Marinho Neto, is 112, demonstrating that this is an attainable, though rare, milestone. While supercentenarian status is extremely uncommon, with only a few hundred living individuals validated globally, it is not an impossible feat. Research into the genetics and lifestyles of these exceptionally long-lived people is ongoing and may provide further insights into the factors that allow for such extreme longevity. Ultimately, reaching the age of 112 is a testament to the complexities of human biology and the confluence of genetics, environment, and, as some supercentenarians themselves suggest, a significant amount of luck.
