The Current Title Holder: Ethel Caterham
As of late August and early September 2025, the official oldest living person is Ethel Caterham from the United Kingdom. Born on August 21, 1909, during the reign of King Edward VII, she became the official title holder earlier in the year following the passing of Inah Canabarro Lucas. A Guinness World Records certificate confirmed her status on her 116th birthday. Ethel reportedly credits her long life to a calm demeanor and a positive mental attitude, stating she never argues with anyone and prefers to take life at her own pace. Her story, like those of other supercentenarians, inspires a deeper look into the combination of genetics, lifestyle, and a bit of good fortune that allows some individuals to far surpass the average human life expectancy.
All-Time Longevity Records: Jeanne Calment and Jiroemon Kimura
While Ethel Caterham holds the current record, the longest documented and verified human lifespan belongs to Jeanne Calment of France. She lived to the extraordinary age of 122 years and 164 days, from February 21, 1875, to August 4, 1997. Calment's habits were famously atypical for longevity, including smoking until she was 117 and eating nearly a kilogram of chocolate weekly. This suggests that while lifestyle factors are crucial, a strong genetic component and a certain degree of pure chance also play significant roles in reaching such extreme ages.
For men, the record for the longest verified lifespan was held by Jiroemon Kimura of Japan. Born on April 19, 1897, he lived to be 116 years and 54 days old, passing away in June 2013. Kimura attributed his longevity to a simple diet and an active life, and continued to farm until he was 90. The records held by Calment and Kimura represent the outer limits of known human potential for life extension, and their examples are a source of ongoing scientific investigation.
The Science of Longevity: More Than Just Genetics
While it’s easy to assume genetics is the primary determinant of a supercentenarian’s life, research shows a more complex picture. Studies suggest that genetics only account for about 20-30% of an individual's potential lifespan. This means the vast majority of our aging process is influenced by modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors. Scientists study centenarians and the residents of "Blue Zones"—geographic areas with high concentrations of people living to 100 or older—to uncover the common threads that lead to a long, healthy life.
Key Pillars of a Longevity-Focused Lifestyle
- Diet and Nutrition: A plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes is a commonality in long-lived populations. Moderate fish consumption is often included, while red meat and processed foods are minimized. Caloric restriction, or simply eating until 80% full, is also a strategy observed in Blue Zones like Okinawa, Japan.
- Physical Activity: Regular, low-intensity physical activity is far more common among centenarians than intense workouts. This includes walking, gardening, and performing daily household chores. Regular movement improves balance, strengthens muscles, and boosts circulation, all critical for healthy aging.
- Social Connections: Strong social bonds and deep community ties have a profound impact on longevity. Social interaction buffers stress, boosts mental health, and provides a sense of purpose. Research shows a strong social network can increase longevity by as much as 50%.
- Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Managing stress, maintaining a sense of purpose, and keeping the mind active are crucial for cognitive health and overall well-being. Learning new skills, reading, and practicing mindfulness can all contribute to a healthier, more resilient brain.
Comparison: Habits of a Supercentenarian vs. Average Lifestyle
| Factor | Typical Supercentenarian Lifestyle | Average Modern Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Primarily plant-based, whole foods, lean protein (fish), low processed meat. | High in processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red meat. |
| Activity | Consistent, low-intensity movement (walking, gardening) integrated into daily life. | Often sedentary with sporadic, high-intensity exercise or no regular activity. |
| Social Life | Deeply embedded in community, strong family and friend connections. | Can be socially isolated, relying heavily on digital interaction. |
| Mindset | Generally positive, resilient, and low-stress approach to life. | High-stress environment, often juggling multiple tasks and worries. |
| Purpose | Often maintains a strong sense of purpose and continued contribution to their community. | Can struggle to find purpose, especially after retirement. |
The Takeaway: Healthy Aging Is a Choice
While not everyone will achieve the status of the oldest human alive today, the lessons from supercentenarians and longevity research are universal. The science points overwhelmingly toward a healthy lifestyle as the greatest modifiable factor for extending our health span, the period of life spent in good health and free from chronic disease. The evidence shows it is never too late to adopt healthier habits to improve overall well-being and potentially add healthy years to your life.
By focusing on a nutrient-dense diet, consistent physical activity, strong social ties, and mental resilience, we can all make proactive choices toward a longer, more vibrant future. The National Institute on Aging provides excellent resources on adopting these strategies for older adults and their caregivers. Embracing these best practices is the most powerful tool we have for controlling our health as we age.
