Who is the oldest person to live to 120 years old?

The vast majority of humans will never reach 100, yet one person defied all odds to live to a truly incredible age. So, who is the oldest person to live to 120 years old?

Quick Summary

The oldest person with a documented and verified lifespan to live to at least 120 years old was Jeanne Calment, a French woman who died at the age of 122 years and 164 days in 1997.

Key Points

• Jeanne Calment's Record: Jeanne Calment of France lived to be 122 years and 164 days old, holding the verified record for the longest human lifespan.

• Lifestyle Paradox: Calment's lifestyle was unusual for someone so long-lived, including smoking for nearly a century and consuming large amounts of chocolate and wine.

• Genetics vs. Environment: Her extraordinary age is attributed to a combination of exceptional genetics and a stress-resilient mindset, rather than her specific habits.

• Outlier Status: Her record stands significantly above other documented supercentenarians, indicating her longevity was a rare and fortunate anomaly.

• Modern Healthy Aging: The focus of modern senior care and longevity science is on promoting healthy lifestyle factors—like diet, exercise, and social connection—for a better quality of life in old age.

• Scientific Curiosity: Calment's case continues to inform research into the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle in determining lifespan.

Jeanne Calment: The World's Oldest Documented Person

Jeanne Louise Calment, born on February 21, 1875, in Arles, France, is recognized as the oldest person in history with a fully verified age. Her documented lifespan of 122 years and 164 days concluded with her passing on August 4, 1997, a record acknowledged by Guinness World Records and the Gerontology Research Group. Calment's life spanned a significant period, allowing her to witness numerous historical moments and technological shifts. Her case is a rare, verified example of exceptional human longevity that continues to be a key subject in aging studies.

The Controversial Lifestyle of an Icon

Jeanne Calment's lifestyle included leisure activities but also habits like daily port, weekly chocolate, and smoking for many years. Despite these habits, she maintained good health and mental clarity for most of her life.

The Science Behind Extreme Longevity

Calment's longevity highlights the potential role of genetics, with research suggesting genetics contribute to lifespan. Her family also had long lifespans. Her extreme age suggests a rare combination of genetic and non-genetic factors.

Can We All Live to 120?

While Calment's story is unique, scientists recommend evidence-based healthy aging strategies. The focus is on "healthspan"—quality of life in old age. Strategies include diet, exercise, stress reduction, and social connections.

Comparison of Verified Longevity Cases

To contextualize Jeanne Calment's achievement, the following table compares her with other individuals whose long lifespans have been independently verified.

Name	Country	Birth Date	Death Date	Age	Notes
Jeanne Calment	France	Feb 21, 1875	Aug 4, 1997	122 years, 164 days	Only person verified to reach 120
Kane Tanaka	Japan	Jan 2, 1903	Apr 19, 2022	119 years, 107 days	Second oldest verified person
Sarah Knauss	United States	Sep 24, 1880	Dec 30, 1999	119 years, 97 days	Oldest American person
Jiroemon Kimura	Japan	Apr 19, 1897	Jun 12, 2013	116 years, 54 days	Oldest verified man

This comparison highlights the exceptional nature of Jeanne Calment's age, with her record significantly exceeding other documented lifespans and emphasizing the rarity of reaching such an advanced age.

The Role of Modern Senior Care

Modern senior care aims to enhance quality of life through services like in-home assistance and assisted living. These services support daily activities, social engagement, and healthcare access. Specialized care can address the challenges of advanced age.

Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond 120

Jeanne Calment's life was a combination of good fortune and likely extraordinary genetics. Her story drew attention to extreme longevity. While her habits aren't a blueprint, her case is scientifically intriguing. The focus in healthy aging is now on evidence-based support for a longer, healthier life for everyone. Calment's legacy is in the ongoing exploration of longevity. For further information on healthy aging, consult reputable sources such as the {Link: National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/what-do-we-know-about-healthy-aging)}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Jeanne Calment's age ever disputed?

Yes, Jeanne Calment's age was briefly disputed by Russian researchers, but these claims were largely discredited by experts.

Who is the oldest person currently living?

The oldest living person changes. For current information, consult the Gerontology Research Group or Guinness World Records.

What is the secret to living to 120 years old?

There is no single 'secret.' Calment's age is rare. Longevity research points to genetics and healthy lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and social connections.

Does having a healthy lifestyle guarantee extreme longevity?

A healthy lifestyle improves 'healthspan' and may increase lifespan, but doesn't guarantee extreme longevity like Calment's, as genetics play a key role.

What does a supercentenarian mean?

A supercentenarian is someone 110 or older. This is rare; reaching 115 is even rarer. Calment reaching 122 is unique.

How did Jeanne Calment's diet and habits impact her longevity?

Scientists believe her longevity was likely due to strong genetics that helped her resist the harms of habits like smoking, wine, and chocolate. Her case is not an endorsement of these habits.

What lessons can be learned from Jeanne Calment for healthy aging?

While not a model for specific habits, her story suggests the importance of a resilient mindset, staying active, and maintaining a positive attitude.