Who Holds the Record for the Longest Documented Lifespan?
While the title of the oldest living person on Earth changes hands periodically, one record stands in a league of its own. Jeanne Calment, a Frenchwoman, is the longest-living person whose age has been independently and indisputably verified. Born in 1875, she lived through two world wars and the building of the Eiffel Tower before passing away in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. Her story highlights that exceptional individual longevity can happen anywhere, but the underlying factors are often a unique mix of genetics, lifestyle, and a bit of luck.
Beyond the Individual: Countries with the Highest Life Expectancy
When we ask what country has the oldest living people, many are thinking about national averages, not singular record holders. For decades, Japan held the top spot for overall life expectancy, but rankings have shifted in recent years. As of mid-2025, small, wealthy nations often top the list. The factors driving this high average are complex and include robust healthcare systems, high standards of living, low infant mortality, and healthy diets.
The Blue Zones: Pockets of Exceptional Longevity
An alternative way to examine longevity is by looking at areas with a high concentration of centenarians, known as "Blue Zones". These regions offer crucial insights into the combination of lifestyle and community factors that foster long, healthy lives. The original five Blue Zones are:
- Okinawa, Japan: Famous for its plant-based diet, strong social networks (moai), and active lifestyles, the Okinawan islands have historically produced a high number of centenarians. Their traditional diet is low in calories and saturated fat, rich in vegetables (especially purple sweet potato), and focused on lean protein and soy.
- Sardinia, Italy: A mountainous island where men in particular live to 100 at an exceptional rate. Key factors include a Mediterranean diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, along with active, physically demanding lifestyles and close-knit family structures.
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Residents here have a low-stress lifestyle, a strong sense of purpose, and close family ties. Their diet is based on staples like beans, rice, and tortillas, and they stay physically active throughout their lives.
- Loma Linda, California, USA: This Blue Zone is home to a community of Seventh-day Adventists who adhere to a vegetarian diet and an active, faith-based lifestyle.
- Ikaria, Greece: Another island with a high concentration of centenarians, their lifestyle is defined by a traditional Mediterranean diet, daily naps, and a strong emphasis on community.
Lifestyle Habits Learned from Blue Zones
The research from Blue Zones reveals several core habits that seem to be universal among the long-lived populations:
- Move Naturally: People in these regions don't go to gyms; they integrate physical activity into their daily routines through walking, gardening, and manual labor.
- Purpose: Having a sense of purpose (often referred to as ikigai in Okinawa or plan de vida in Nicoya) has been shown to add years to one's life.
- De-Stress: Daily routines often include rituals to shed stress, such as naps, prayers, or happy hour.
- Family First: Placing family before all else is a common thread, ensuring that aging members are cared for and integrated into the community.
- Right Tribe: The long-lived are part of social circles that support healthy behaviors.
- Plant Slant: Their diets are predominantly plant-based, with meat consumed in very small quantities or as a celebratory meal.
- Wine @ 5: For some Blue Zones, moderate and regular wine consumption with friends is part of the tradition.
- Hara Hachi Bu: The Okinawan practice of stopping eating when 80% full helps prevent overeating and promotes a healthy weight.
Comparative Overview of Long-Lived Regions
| Feature | Okinawa (Japan) | Sardinia (Italy) | Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dietary Staple | Purple sweet potato | Whole grains, vegetables | Beans, corn, rice |
| Key Protein Source | Tofu, soy products, some fish | Cheese from grass-fed animals | Beans, some fish/meat |
| Social Bonds | Moai (social support networks) | Strong family ties | Strong family and community |
| Physical Activity | Daily gardening, walking | Shepherding, walking hills | Daily farm labor, walking |
| Sense of Purpose | Ikigai | Respect for elders, tradition | Plan de vida (reason for living) |
Conclusion
So, what country has the oldest living people? The definitive answer is complex. Historically, France holds the record for the oldest verified individual. For the highest national average life expectancy, small, economically robust nations often top the charts. However, the most profound lessons on longevity come from the Blue Zones, such as Okinawa in Japan, which show that a combination of diet, active lifestyle, social connection, and purpose is key to not just living longer, but living better. Emulating the lifestyle principles from these regions may be one of the most effective strategies for promoting healthy aging.
For more in-depth research on Blue Zones and their lifestyle principles, visit the official Blue Zones website.
