The End of an Era: No Survivors From the 19th Century
To answer the question directly, no, there are no individuals alive today who were born in the 1800s [1.2]. The last known verified person born in the 19th century was Emma Morano of Italy [1.2]. Born on November 29, 1899, she passed away on April 15, 2017, at the age of 117 years and 137 days [1.2]. Her life remarkably spanned three centuries, witnessing significant historical events and technological advancements [1]. Her death marked the official closing of a direct link to the 19th century [1].
Who Was the Last Person From the 1800s?
Emma Morano's longevity garnered global attention [1]. She cited genetics, a specific diet, and her marital status as factors contributing to her long life [1]. She reportedly followed a diet including three eggs daily, two raw [1]. Morano also credited her long life to being single for over 90 years after leaving an unhappy marriage [1]. Living independently in Italy, her life offered insights for longevity studies [1].
Understanding Extreme Longevity: What is a Supercentenarian?
A supercentenarian is defined as someone who has reached the age of 110 or older [8, 9]. This is an extremely rare achievement [2]. The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is a key organization that validates claims of extreme age through rigorous verification processes requiring official birth records and other documentation [2, 6]. The difficulty in obtaining such documentation means many historical age claims remain unverified [2]. Approximately 90% of verified supercentenarians are women [2]. Researchers continue to study the combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environment that contributes to their ability to avoid age-related diseases [2].
The All-Time Record Holder
The oldest verified person in history was Jeanne Calment of France [3, 4]. Born on February 21, 1875, she died on August 4, 1997, at the age of 122 years and 164 days [3, 4]. Calment's long life spanned a different era; she reportedly met Vincent van Gogh as a child [2]. She attributed her longevity to lifestyle habits including a diet with olive oil, port wine, and chocolate [2]. She remained active throughout her life [2].
Comparison of Longevity Titans
Here is a comparison of these two remarkable individuals:
| Feature | Jeanne Calment | Emma Morano |
|---|---|---|
| Born | February 21, 1875 | November 29, 1899 |
| Died | August 4, 1997 | April 15, 2017 |
| Age | 122 years, 164 days | 117 years, 137 days |
| Claim to Fame | Oldest verified person ever | Last verified person from the 1800s |
| Notable Diet | Olive oil, port wine, chocolate | 3 eggs daily (2 raw), pasta, raw meat [1] |
| Country | France | Italy |
Key Factors for Healthy Aging and Longevity
While reaching supercentenarian status is rare, research identifies several habits associated with healthy aging [7]:
- Stay Physically Active: Regular, moderate exercise benefits cardiovascular health, strength, and balance [7].
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, like the Mediterranean diet, are recommended [7]. Limiting processed foods and sugar is also important [7].
- Prioritize Sleep: 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night is crucial for bodily repair and cognitive health [7].
- Nurture Social Connections: Maintaining relationships combats loneliness, a significant health risk [7].
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress negatively impacts health. Stress reduction techniques and hobbies are beneficial [7].
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These are major risk factors for disease and early mortality [7].
For more information on verified supercentenarians, you can visit the Gerontology Research Group, a leading authority on extreme human longevity [6].
Conclusion: Looking to the Future
The fact that no one born in the 1800s is still alive marks a historical point [1]. The lives of Emma Morano and Jeanne Calment highlight the potential of human longevity, influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and perhaps chance [1, 2]. As research continues to advance our understanding of aging, the focus shifts to future possibilities of extended lifespans [1].
