The term for a person who is 120 years old is a supercentenarian. This classification includes anyone who has reached the age of 110 or more. The word distinguishes these exceptional individuals from centenarians, who are 100 years or older but have not yet reached the more extreme milestone of 110. As human life expectancy continues to increase, the world may one day see more people reach and surpass this incredible age, but for now, it remains a rare and exceptional feat.
The World Record for Human Longevity
The most famous case of a person living beyond 120 is Jeanne Calment of France. Born on February 21, 1875, she died on August 4, 1997, at the remarkable age of 122 years and 164 days. Her age was meticulously verified by demographers and is accepted as the longest human lifespan ever documented. Calment's longevity captured worldwide attention and inspired research into the factors contributing to extreme old age. Her case is so singular that many scientists have long viewed the 120-year mark as a potential upper limit for human lifespan, though recent studies have explored the possibility of extending this limit.
Comparing Age-Related Terms
To understand the rarity of a 120-year-old, it helps to see where they fit among other age-related terms. The suffixes for decadal birthdays come from Latin, creating a hierarchy of longevity.
| Age Range | Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10–19 | Denarian | In their teens |
| 20–29 | Vicenarian | In their twenties |
| 30–39 | Tricenarian | In their thirties |
| 40–49 | Quadragenarian | In their forties |
| 50–59 | Quinquagenarian | In their fifties |
| 60–69 | Sexagenarian | In their sixties |
| 70–79 | Septuagenarian | In their seventies |
| 80–89 | Octogenarian | In their eighties |
| 90–99 | Nonagenarian | In their nineties |
| 100+ | Centenarian | Anyone 100 years or older |
| 110+ | Supercentenarian | Anyone 110 years or older |
This table illustrates the increasing rarity as one moves up the age scale. While centenarians are becoming more common, supercentenarians remain an exceptionally small group, and those reaching 120 are in a league of their own.
Factors Contributing to Extreme Longevity
Living to 120 is a complex mix of genetics, lifestyle, and luck. Researchers in the field of gerontology study supercentenarians to identify common threads that may contribute to their extraordinary lifespans. Some findings suggest a genetic component, while others point to a resilient personality and a healthy lifestyle. Jeanne Calment herself was noted for her active life and positive attitude, despite being a lifelong smoker who also enjoyed chocolate and port wine.
These research efforts are critical to understanding the biological processes of aging and disease resistance. The Gerontology Research Group, for example, maintains a database of validated supercentenarians and studies their DNA and health histories. By examining what sets these individuals apart, scientists hope to develop interventions that could lead to healthier aging for the general population, ultimately increasing average life expectancy and potentially the maximal human lifespan.
The Future of Extreme Old Age
The question of whether humans can live longer than Jeanne Calment remains a subject of scientific debate. Some studies have proposed that the limit to the human lifespan could be as high as 150 years. Achieving such a milestone, however, would likely require unprecedented medical and genetic advancements. While no one has yet surpassed Calment's record, the growing number of centenarians and supercentenarians suggests that our understanding of longevity is expanding. It is entirely possible that future generations, armed with new medical technologies, will break the 120-year barrier and introduce a new, even rarer age category to the world.
Conclusion
In summary, a person who is 120 years old is called a supercentenarian, a term for anyone who has reached the age of 110 or more. The only person in verified history to have reached this age was Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122. Her remarkable life provides a unique case study for gerontologists exploring the secrets of extreme longevity. While passing 120 years remains an almost unprecedented achievement, the ongoing research into supercentenarians continues to push the boundaries of what we believe is possible for the human lifespan.
