Is there anyone alive from 1920? Exploring the Remarkable Longevity of a Resilient Generation

According to United Nations estimates, there are over half a million centenarians across the globe, and a very small but resilient portion of these were born in the year 1920. The question, Is there anyone alive from 1920?, speaks to the remarkable endurance of those who have lived through some of history's most profound events.

Quick Summary

Yes, a dwindling number of people born in 1920 are still alive, having joined the rare ranks of centenarians and supercentenarians. Their longevity, a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and a dose of luck, is a testament to the resilience of a generation that survived immense global challenges. While their numbers decline each year, their stories and existence continue to inspire.

Key Points

• Still a Few Left: A small number of individuals born in 1920 are still alive today, now in their mid-100s, representing a remarkable feat of human longevity.

• Centenarians and Beyond: Individuals who live past 100 are centenarians, while those living past 110 are supercentenarians; a person born in 1920 falls into the former category and is on the path to becoming a semi-supercentenarian.

• Survival of the Fittest: This generation is considered highly resilient, having survived immense historical challenges like the Great Depression and World War II.

• Multiple Factors at Play: Exceptional longevity is attributed to a combination of strong genetics, healthy lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

• Women Outlive Men: Statistics show that women are significantly more likely to become supercentenarians than men, with some studies linking this to biological differences.

• The 'Healthy Aging' Paradigm: Many supercentenarians appear to delay or escape major age-related diseases until very late in life, challenging the notion that aging always means increasing sickness.

Yes, a few resilient individuals from 1920 still exist

While incredibly rare, it is an established fact that some individuals born in 1920 are still alive today. As of 2025, anyone born in 1920 would be celebrating their 105th birthday, placing them firmly in the category of a "semi-supercentenarian". This generation has witnessed two world wars, the Great Depression, the Space Race, and the dawn of the digital age.

Their survival into their second century is a remarkable feat, given the average life expectancy at the time of their birth. While it is challenging to obtain an exact count of every living individual, organizations that track longevity and demographics confirm their existence. A person who was born before or in the 1920s and lives to be 110 or older becomes a supercentenarian, and the longevity database LongeviQuest and Guinness World Records regularly confirm these exceptional individuals.

The Supercentenarian Phenomenon

• What is a Supercentenarian? A supercentenarian is someone who has lived to or past their 110th birthday. The number of supercentenarians is far smaller than the number of centenarians (100+), and they are often tracked by specialized research groups like the Gerontology Research Group.
• Genetic Resilience: Studies suggest that supercentenarians have exceptional genetic traits that protect them from major age-related diseases until very late in life. They are essentially models of 'aging well'.
• Sex Differences: Statistically, women have a much higher chance of reaching these exceptional ages. Approximately 90% of supercentenarians are female. Researchers believe this may be due to genetic advantages related to the X chromosome and potentially other biological factors.

Factors that contribute to exceptional longevity

The long lives of those born in 1920 and before are influenced by a complex interplay of several factors, which have been studied extensively by gerontologists.

1. Genetics: A strong genetic predisposition for a long life runs in the families of many supercentenarians. Having family members who lived past 100 significantly increases an individual's chances of doing the same. Genetic factors can influence cellular functions like DNA repair and protection against damage from free radicals.
2. Lifestyle: Many centenarians attribute their longevity to disciplined and often simple lifestyles. Healthy diet, physical activity, and avoiding vices like smoking are commonly cited habits. Some also credit their longevity to a strong sense of purpose and low-stress living.
3. Environment: A person's environment plays a role, with some studies focusing on communities like those in Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia, Italy, where traditional lifestyles and social structures seem to support longer lives. These regions are sometimes referred to as 'Blue Zones'.
4. Luck: While genetics and lifestyle are important, a certain amount of luck is undeniable. Avoiding life-threatening illnesses, accidents, and other random events is a necessary component of reaching such an advanced age.

Genetics vs. Lifestyle: A comparison for longevity

Feature	Genetics	Lifestyle
Primary Role	Provides a strong biological foundation for delaying or escaping age-related diseases.	Modifies health outcomes and can either support or hinder the genetic predisposition for longevity.
Family Link	Often runs in families with multiple centenarians or supercentenarians.	Habits, diet, and physical activity levels are often learned or shared within family and community structures.
Effect on Disease	Can provide resilience against certain diseases like cancer and heart disease.	A healthy lifestyle can help manage, delay, or prevent chronic conditions that shorten lifespan.
The 'Escapee' Factor	Some centenarians have no clinically demonstrable disease at 100, suggesting genetics may play a larger role for them.	For others, lifestyle choices may be the key factor that helped them 'delay' the onset of age-related disease until after age 80.

The legacy of the 1920s generation

The 1920s generation is a testament to human resilience and the remarkable potential for a long life. For those who remain, their continued existence serves as a living bridge to an era that is now a century old. Their stories, often preserved by family members or documented by researchers, provide invaluable insights into the factors that contribute to exceptional longevity.

As the number of centenarians continues to increase globally, the lessons from the 1920s cohort become even more significant. They remind us that while advancements in medicine and technology play a vital role, factors like diet, social connections, and a positive mental attitude are also critical components of healthy aging. For more insights into the factors behind extreme old age, a study published in Nature Medicine offers further reading(https://www.idtdna.com/pages/community/blog/post/what-helps-supercentenarians-live-so-dang-long).

In conclusion, while the number is small, there are definitely people alive today from 1920. Their existence is a powerful reminder that the human lifespan, while having natural limits, can sometimes exceed expectations, offering hope and inspiration to generations that follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it surprising that someone from 1920 is still alive?

Yes, it is surprising and remarkable. While the number of centenarians is increasing, living beyond 105 is exceptionally rare. It demonstrates a combination of favorable genetics, a healthy lifestyle, and a bit of luck.

Are there any famous people still alive from the 1920s?

Some well-known figures born in the 1920s were still alive as of late 2023, according to one source. These individuals, and others not in the public eye, show that longevity can be achieved regardless of fame. Their ranks are constantly changing as they pass on.

How do we know how many people are still alive from 1920?

Exact numbers are hard to track globally, but demographic data from organizations like the United Nations and the Gerontology Research Group provide estimates on the number of centenarians and supercentenarians. These groups validate the ages of the oldest living people.

What is the longest a human has ever lived?

The longest verified human lifespan belongs to Jeanne Calment, a French woman who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old. She passed away in 1997.

Does having long-lived relatives mean I will live longer?

While not a guarantee, having family members who have lived to 100 or more significantly increases your own chances of a long life. Genetics play a crucial role in exceptional longevity.

What is the difference between a centenarian and a supercentenarian?

A centenarian is anyone who has reached the age of 100. A supercentenarian is a more exclusive category for those who have lived to or past the age of 110. Those born in 1920 would currently be centenarians.

Is living a long time always a healthy experience?

Not necessarily, but many supercentenarians tend to be in relatively good health until very late in life, a phenomenon known as 'compression of morbidity'. Researchers believe that the 'secret' to their longevity is not just living long, but staying healthy for longer.