Jiroemon Kimura: A Life Spanning Three Centuries
Born on April 19, 1897, Jiroemon Kimura's life encompassed the closing years of the 19th century and extended well into the 21st, ending on June 12, 2013. A native of Kyotango, Japan, Kimura witnessed monumental global changes throughout his life, including two World Wars and the rapid advance of the digital age. His longevity was officially verified by the Gerontology Research Group and recognized by Guinness World Records.
Life Before the Record
Before he was known as the world's oldest man, Kimura led a long and industrious life. He worked as a postal employee for over 40 years before his retirement. Following his postal career, he continued to work as a farmer until he was 90 years old, demonstrating a strong work ethic that lasted well into his golden years. Kimura was a family man, and accounts detail his large family, including seven children, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
The Secret to Longevity
When asked about the secret to his exceptionally long life, Kimura often provided simple, yet profound, answers. In one interview, he mentioned, "Maybe it's all thanks to the sun above me" and that he was "always looking up towards the sky". On another occasion, his granddaughter-in-law noted that his positivity was a key factor. He also advocated for eating lightly to live long, a piece of advice that aligns with diet-related longevity research.
- Embraced Positivity: Maintained a cheerful and positive outlook on life, which can impact overall health and well-being.
- Practiced Moderation: Advocated for eating light, following the philosophy of "if you drink too much or you eat too much... you're going to suffer eventually".
- Remained Active: Continued working as a farmer well into his nineties, suggesting that physical activity played a role in his health.
- Enjoyed Simple Pleasures: His story highlights the value of simple daily routines and appreciating the present moment.
Challenging Longevity Claims and Verification Standards
While Jiroemon Kimura's record is verified by respected authorities, it is important to understand the process and challenges of validating extreme longevity claims. Throughout history, numerous unverified claims have surfaced, often based on anecdotal evidence rather than official documentation. This is why organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records enforce strict standards for verifying age claims.
The Verification Process
The verification process for supercentenarians involves extensive genealogical research and a review of official documents. This includes examining birth certificates, census records, marriage records, and other historical documents to corroborate a person's age. This rigorous process helps to differentiate legitimate records from unsubstantiated claims, such as the historical stories of mythical figures with multi-hundred-year lifespans.
Notable Unverified Claims
Examples of unverified claims include Shigechiyo Izumi, a Japanese man whose age was once reported as 120 but later found to be unsubstantiated, and various long-lived figures mentioned in religious texts. These cases illustrate the importance of robust verification methods in accurately documenting human longevity records.
Comparison of Oldest Verified Men
To put Kimura's record into perspective, the table below compares his lifespan with several other of the oldest verified men in history.
| Rank | Name | Birth Date | Death Date | Age | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jiroemon Kimura | Apr 19, 1897 | Jun 12, 2013 | 116 years, 54 days | Japan | Oldest man ever verified. |
| 2 | Christian Mortensen | Aug 16, 1882 | Apr 25, 1998 | 115 years, 252 days | United States | Danish-American, held record before Kimura. |
| 3 | Emiliano Mercado del Toro | Aug 21, 1891 | Jan 24, 2007 | 115 years, 156 days | Puerto Rico | Oldest military veteran at time of death. |
| 4 | Juan Vicente Pérez Mora | May 27, 1909 | Apr 2, 2024 | 114 years, 311 days | Venezuela | Held title of oldest living man. |
Conclusion: Lessons from the Longest-Lived Man
Jiroemon Kimura's documented lifespan of over 116 years remains the gold standard for male longevity. His story, while extraordinary, offers insights that echo research on aging: a combination of healthy habits, a positive attitude, and perhaps a degree of genetic luck are all contributing factors. While science continues to investigate the biological underpinnings of exceptional longevity, the human stories behind these records, like that of Jiroemon Kimura, inspire and remind us of the resilience of the human spirit. The pursuit of understanding what makes some people live longer than others is an ongoing and fascinating area of research, with Kimura's life serving as a remarkable benchmark. For more detailed information on supercentenarians, one can consult the records kept by the Gerontology Research Group.
What is the difference between oldest living man and oldest man ever?
The 'oldest living man' is the current oldest male person in the world whose age has been officially verified by a recognized authority. The 'oldest man ever' is the male person who lived the longest lifespan in recorded history, a title that Jiroemon Kimura holds posthumously.
How does male longevity compare to female longevity?
Statistically, women tend to live longer than men, and this trend is even more pronounced among supercentenarians (people who live to 110 or older). For example, among the 100 oldest people ever, the vast majority are female. Jeanne Calment, a woman from France, holds the overall record for the longest verified human lifespan, at 122 years.
What is a supercentenarian?
A supercentenarian is a person who has lived to or past their 110th birthday. Reaching this age is extremely rare, and their cases are rigorously studied by gerontology experts to understand the factors contributing to exceptional longevity.
What are some factors believed to contribute to extreme longevity?
Research into extreme longevity suggests a combination of genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors are at play. These can include a healthy diet, regular physical activity, managing stress, and social engagement. Jiroemon Kimura's habits of eating light and maintaining a positive attitude are often cited as contributing factors.
Are unverified longevity claims common?
Yes, unverified or unsubstantiated longevity claims are quite common. In the past, especially before modern record-keeping, many claims of extreme age were based on myths, folklore, or inaccurate documentation. Verification standards from organizations like the Gerontology Research Group and Guinness World Records are crucial for accurate record-keeping.
What was Jiroemon Kimura's occupation?
Jiroemon Kimura worked for the Japanese postal service for over 40 years before retiring. After retiring from the post office, he continued to work on his family's farm until he was 90 years old.
What was Jiroemon Kimura's advice for a long life?
Kimura's advice for longevity was to eat light, or practice moderation in all things. His granddaughter-in-law also noted his positive and optimistic outlook on life as a factor.
