Who lived longest in Europe?
French supercentenarian Jeanne Louise Calment holds the confirmed record not only for the longest lifespan in Europe, but also for the longest documented lifespan in human history. Born in Arles, France, in 1875, she lived an astonishing 122 years and 164 days before passing away in 1997. Her remarkable life spanned three centuries, witnessing enormous global change, from the invention of the automobile to the rise of the internet.
The extraordinary life of Jeanne Calment
Jeanne Calment's life was well-documented, allowing researchers to study her lifestyle and background for clues into her extreme longevity. She was born into a family with a history of long lifespans, with her father living to 93 and her mother to 86, suggesting a possible genetic component to her remarkable health. Throughout her life, she maintained an active lifestyle, famously riding a bicycle until she was 100 years old. Her mental acuity and sharp wit were noted by those who knew her, with her cognitive functioning showing resilience against age-related decline well into her late years.
Her diet and habits were also a subject of media attention. While some might assume a strict, ascetic lifestyle, Calment was known to enjoy things like chocolate and a glass of port wine daily, proving that a balanced, albeit moderate, approach might be more important than rigid restriction. At the age of 115, she briefly appeared in a 1990 film, and a documentary was made about her life when she turned 120, highlighting the public fascination with her story.
Other notable European supercentenarians
While Jeanne Calment is the most famous example, Europe has been home to many other individuals who have lived to incredible ages, often referred to as supercentenarians (people over 110 years old). These individuals provide further insight into the factors that can contribute to exceptional longevity, from genetics and lifestyle to environmental influences.
- Lucile Randon (France): A French nun also known as Sister André, Lucile Randon lived to be 118 years and 340 days old, passing away in 2023. Her life also spanned over a century, and she famously survived both the 1918 influenza pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Maria Branyas (Spain): Born in the United States but residing in Spain for most of her life, Maria Branyas passed away in 2024 at the age of 117 years and 168 days. Her life's journey adds to the growing understanding of longevity across different populations.
- Emma Morano (Italy): The last person verified to have been born in the 1800s, Emma Morano lived to be 117 years and 137 days old. Her famously unique diet included eating eggs daily.
- Christian Mortensen (Denmark/USA): While Jeanne Calment is the oldest overall, the oldest European-born man was Christian Mortensen, who emigrated to the U.S. and passed away at 115 years old.
What can we learn from supercentenarians?
Studying the lives of people like Jeanne Calment offers valuable insights into the science of healthy aging. While a specific formula for reaching such an age remains elusive, research points toward a combination of genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices. Factors such as diet, exercise, social connections, and mental resilience appear to be common threads in the lives of many supercentenarians. Genetic studies of these individuals often reveal protective gene variants that help mitigate the typical age-related deterioration.
Supercentenarian comparison: Jeanne Calment vs. Lucile Randon
| Feature | Jeanne Calment | Lucile Randon |
|---|---|---|
| Country | France | France |
| Birth-Death Dates | Feb 21, 1875 – Aug 4, 1997 | Feb 11, 1904 – Jan 17, 2023 |
| Age | 122 years, 164 days | 118 years, 340 days |
| Famous Habits | Enjoyed chocolate and port wine; active lifestyle (bicycled) | Enjoyed chocolate and wine; survived both 1918 flu and COVID-19 |
| Family History | Family members had long lifespans | Unspecified publicly, but her longevity was celebrated |
| Recognition | Widely recognized as the oldest person ever verified | Noted for her extreme age and resilience against pandemics |
The controversy surrounding Jeanne Calment's age
While Jeanne Calment's age has been widely accepted and verified, some researchers have questioned her record. A theory proposed in 2018 suggested an identity swap with her daughter, Yvonne, to avoid inheritance tax. However, the original assessing team and other demographers have refuted these claims, citing overwhelming documentary and public evidence of her long life. Despite the controversy, Calment remains the benchmark for extreme human longevity, with her case being one of the most meticulously documented.
The future of longevity research
As research into aging progresses, scientists continue to study the genetics and environmental factors behind exceptional longevity. The increasing number of supercentenarians worldwide provides new opportunities to investigate the biological mechanisms that allow some individuals to live significantly longer than the average lifespan. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for therapies and lifestyle recommendations that promote healthy aging for the general population. While reaching Calment's age may remain a rare phenomenon, the insights gleaned from her life and the lives of other supercentenarians are invaluable to the field of gerontology and healthy aging.
For more detailed scientific analysis on the factors contributing to exceptional longevity, you can read more from publications like the National Institutes of Health.
Conclusion: A legacy of extreme longevity
Jeanne Calment's position as the longest-lived person in Europe and the world is a testament to the remarkable potential of human lifespan. Her story, alongside those of other European supercentenarians, offers a compelling mix of genetic luck, personal resilience, and favorable life circumstances. For those interested in healthy aging, their stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the possibilities of extending both healthspan and lifespan. While we may not all reach 122, the lessons from these extraordinary lives can inspire everyone to pursue a healthier and more fulfilling later life.
