Meet the Current Oldest Living Person
As of September 2025, the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records confirm the oldest living person with a validated age is Ethel Caterham from the United Kingdom. Born on August 21, 1909, she officially inherited the title following the passing of the previous record holder in April 2025. Her life story is a testament to resilience, having lived through two world wars and a global pandemic.
Ethel Caterham's reported "secret" to her long life is a lack of stress. In interviews, she has often said that she avoids arguing with anyone and just does what she likes. This focus on emotional well-being and managing stress is a recurring theme among many who live to extreme old age. Her longevity, along with that of other supercentenarians, provides invaluable data for researchers studying the factors that contribute to exceptional lifespans.
The All-Time Record Holder: Jeanne Calment
While Ethel Caterham holds the current record, the longest documented and verified human lifespan belongs to Jeanne Calment of France. Born in Arles, France, on February 21, 1875, she lived to be an astonishing 122 years and 164 days old, passing away on August 4, 1997. Her age has been thoroughly documented and authenticated by multiple sources, including the Gerontology Research Group.
Calment's life was nothing short of remarkable. She famously met Vincent van Gogh at her uncle's shop when she was 13. Her lifestyle, while not what most would consider perfectly healthy, is often cited by researchers. She was known to enjoy port wine, chocolate, and even smoked from age 21 until 117. Her story highlights that while healthy habits are important, a significant genetic component likely plays a role in reaching such extreme ages. Although her record was briefly challenged by a Russian theory in 2018, it was re-authenticated by the Gerontology Research Group based on existing documents and expert analysis.
Oldest Verified Man Ever
The longevity record for men is slightly shorter than for women. The oldest verified man ever was Jiroemon Kimura of Japan, who was born on April 19, 1897, and passed away on June 12, 2013, at the age of 116 years and 54 days. His longevity was attributed to a balanced diet and a healthy, active lifestyle. The fact that the top 100 oldest people ever are all women underscores the general biological trend of females having a longer life expectancy.
Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity
Studying supercentenarians and populations with unusual longevity is crucial for understanding healthy aging. One area of popular research focuses on "Blue Zones," geographic regions where a high percentage of the population lives significantly longer than average. These regions include Sardinia (Italy), Okinawa (Japan), and the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica).
Researchers like Dan Buettner have identified key lifestyle factors common to these populations, suggesting that longevity is not solely a matter of genetics but also heavily influenced by environment and behavior. Some common traits include:
- Diet: Primarily plant-based diets with an emphasis on legumes, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Natural Movement: Constant, moderate physical activity integrated into daily life, such as walking, gardening, and household chores, rather than intense workouts.
- Purpose: A strong sense of purpose, or ikigai in Okinawa, which motivates individuals to stay engaged and active.
- Community and Family: Strong social networks and family ties that provide support and reduce stress.
- Stress Management: Daily rituals for stress reduction, including prayer, meditation, or social time.
How Longevity Science is Evolving
Modern science is now looking at the genetic and molecular underpinnings of extreme longevity. Studies on supercentenarians' immune systems and genetic makeup reveal unique characteristics that may protect them from age-related diseases. Researchers are examining specific genetic variants and cellular processes, such as those related to DNA repair and inflammation, to understand how some individuals escape the typical declines associated with aging.
Notable Supercentenarians in History
- Kane Tanaka (Japan): Lived to 119 years and 107 days. She was known for her love of soda and chocolate and solving math puzzles.
- Sarah Knauss (United States): Lived to 119 years and 97 days. She passed away just before the turn of the millennium.
- Lucile Randon (France): Also known as Sister André, she lived to 118 years and 340 days and survived a bout of COVID-19 at age 116.
- Nabi Tajima (Japan): Lived to 117 years and 260 days. She had over 160 descendants at the time of her death.
- Marie-Louise Meilleur (Canada): Lived to 117 years and 230 days. She outlived both her husband and several of her children.
Oldest Living vs. All-Time Oldest: A Comparison
| Feature | Ethel Caterham (Oldest Living) | Jeanne Calment (Oldest Ever) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Date | August 21, 1909 | February 21, 1875 |
| Current Age | 116 years (as of Sept. 2025) | Deceased at 122 years, 164 days |
| Country | United Kingdom | France |
| Lifestyle | Credited calm, stress-free life | Enjoyed wine, chocolate; smoked |
| Key Takeaway | Longevity can be tied to emotional health and gentle activity. | Strong genetics can heavily influence the outcome of lifespan. |
Conclusion: A Long Life in Perspective
While the search for a single, definitive answer to who is the oldest person to still live provides a snapshot in time, the broader field of longevity research offers more profound insights. The stories of supercentenarians like Ethel Caterham and Jeanne Calment reveal that extreme old age is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors. For those seeking to extend their own healthspan, the lessons from the Blue Zones and ongoing research into aging offer a path forward, focusing on sensible diet, regular activity, social connection, and stress reduction.
For more detailed information on supercentenarian validation, consult the Gerontology Research Group's official website, which meticulously tracks and verifies the world's longest-living individuals. Gerontology Research Group
