The Unverified Story of Carmelo Flores Laura
In 2013, news outlets around the world reported on Carmelo Flores Laura, an Indigenous Aymara man living in the Bolivian highlands. The story claimed he was 123 years old and had government documents to prove it. Born, reportedly, on July 16, 1890, his age, if true, would have made him the oldest person to have ever lived, surpassing the verified record holder, Jeanne Calment.
Flores Laura lived a simple life in a straw-roofed hut near Lake Titicaca, herding cattle and sheep. His secrets to a long life, according to him, were a great deal of walking, a diet of barley, and drinking water from the mountains. He also reportedly avoided modern processed foods. The story spread rapidly, captivating many with the idea of a simple, natural lifestyle leading to incredible longevity.
The Challenge of Verification
Despite the compelling narrative and government documents, skepticism quickly arose. Gerontologists, the scientists who study aging, were wary. The key issue was the lack of reliable birth records from rural Bolivia in 1890. The documents presented were not original and were created decades after his birth. Bolivia did not begin issuing formal birth certificates until 1940, making any earlier records inherently difficult to authenticate. The Gerontology Research Group (GRG), the international body responsible for verifying such claims, never officially validated Flores Laura’s age. This highlights a common problem in extreme longevity claims, where reliable historical documentation is often scarce.
The Verified Record of Jeanne Calment
In contrast to the unverified claim of Carmelo Flores Laura, the record of Jeanne Calment of France is thoroughly documented and universally recognized. Born on February 21, 1875, she died on August 4, 1997, at the age of 122 years and 164 days. Calment's life was a testament to extreme aging, and her claim was investigated and authenticated by a team of gerontologists. She outlived her daughter and grandson and became a media sensation in her later years.
Calment's Longevity Secrets and the 2018 Controversy
Jeanne Calment famously attributed her long life to consuming a diet rich in olive oil, a glass of port wine, and a positive outlook. Her record was challenged in 2018 by Russian researchers who suggested her daughter had impersonated her. However, the original assessing team stood by their meticulous verification process, and her record remains intact. The controversy serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny placed on claims of record-breaking lifespans.
Comparison of Flores Laura and Calment
| Feature | Carmelo Flores Laura (Unverified) | Jeanne Calment (Verified) |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed Age | 123 years | 122 years, 164 days |
| Verification Status | Unofficial; lacks authentic birth records | Officially verified by the Gerontology Research Group |
| Location | Bolivia | France |
| Claimed Longevity Secret | Walking, natural diet, high-altitude water | Olive oil, port wine, sense of humor |
| Reason for Unverification | Birth records predated national registration | None; record stands despite challenges |
Scientific Insights from Supercentenarians
While genetics play a role, research into supercentenarians reveals that lifestyle factors are often more influential. The Gerontology Research Group and other organizations study these individuals to uncover clues about healthy aging. Common themes emerge, including:
- Diet: Many centenarians consume a simple diet, often rich in vegetables and low in processed foods. The Okinawan diet, for example, is famous for its emphasis on plant-based foods.
- Physical Activity: Regular, moderate movement, like walking or gardening, is a common thread. Carmelo Flores Laura's claim of walking daily aligns with this.
- Stress Management: A positive attitude, resilience, and effective stress coping mechanisms are frequently cited by those who live to extreme ages. Jeanne Calment's jovial nature is a good example.
- Social Connections: A strong social network, family ties, and community engagement contribute significantly to well-being and longevity.
- Sense of Purpose: Having a reason to get up in the morning, or ikigai in Japanese culture, is a powerful motivator for a long life.
Understanding Healthy Aging Beyond the Records
For most people, the quest for a long and healthy life is more attainable by focusing on fundamental health habits rather than chasing record-breaking ages. Adopting the healthy practices observed in many long-lived populations, such as those in Blue Zones, can significantly improve your quality of life as you age. While the question of who lived for 123 years focuses on an isolated, unverified case, the deeper scientific inquiry into centenarians offers valuable, actionable advice for us all.
For more information on the world's most extreme ages, consult resources like The List of the Verified Oldest People on Wikipedia. It serves as a reliable source for confirmed longevity records.
