The extraordinary life of Jeanne Calment
Born in Arles, France, on February 21, 1875, Jeanne Louise Calment came from a bourgeois family and led a relatively easy life. Her father was a shipbuilder and her mother was from a family of millers, both of whom also lived to be quite old for their time. For most of her life, she was not a public figure, but her existence eventually captivated the world as she surpassed all known records of human longevity.
Calment lived through an immense period of historical change, witnessing the development of modern transportation, communication, and medicine. A story she recounted often was meeting Vincent Van Gogh in 1888 when she was 13 years old at her uncle's shop. She described him as 'ugly as sin,' but was not particularly impressed by the eccentric artist at the time. She outlived her husband, her only daughter, and her only grandson. In 1965, at the age of 90, she famously sold her apartment to a lawyer in a viager, or reverse mortgage scheme. The lawyer was to pay her a monthly income until she died, but he passed away 30 years later, and his family was forced to continue the payments.
Lifestyle and personality traits
Jeanne Calment’s diet and lifestyle choices have been intensely scrutinized by researchers seeking the secrets to her long life. While some media reports have exaggerated certain aspects, several observations point toward her unique longevity:
- Diet: She consumed a diet rich in olive oil, which she also used on her skin. She was also known to eat large quantities of chocolate, reportedly up to two pounds a week until her doctors intervened.
- Activity: Calment remained active throughout her life. She took up fencing at age 85 and was still riding her bicycle at 100. This physical activity, combined with a relatively low-stress lifestyle, likely played a significant role.
- Personality: She was known for her quick wit, sense of humor, and resilient nature. She once quipped, "I've waited 110 years to be famous, I count on taking advantage of it," at her 120th birthday party. Researchers have suggested that her ability to remain calm and avoid excessive stress may have contributed to her health.
Verification and controversy surrounding her record
Jeanne Calment’s age was extensively documented and verified by demographers and researchers, including Jean-Marie Robine and Michel Allard for the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). The evidence includes multiple census records throughout her life and civil registration documents, making her one of the most well-documented supercentenarians ever recorded. However, in 2018, a Russian research team published a controversial theory claiming that Calment's daughter, Yvonne, had assumed her mother's identity in the 1930s to avoid inheritance tax. The researchers alleged that it was Yvonne who actually died in 1997 at the age of 99.
The claim was widely dismissed by the scientific community and the original verifying researchers, who pointed to the extensive documentation and the logistical improbability of such a conspiracy. The original team re-evaluated their findings and stood by their conclusion that Calment was indeed 122 at her time of death.
How does she compare to other long-lived individuals?
Jeanne Calment's longevity is statistically an extreme outlier, standing far above other verified cases. Her record is often contrasted with other notable supercentenarians to highlight its exceptional nature.
| Feature | Jeanne Calment (Verified Record Holder) | Jiroemon Kimura (Oldest Verified Man) | Kane Tanaka (Second Oldest Verified) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age at Death | 122 years, 164 days | 116 years, 54 days | 119 years, 107 days |
| Nationality | French | Japanese | Japanese |
| Lived Through | Two world wars, the Spanish flu, invention of cinema and telephone | Two world wars | Two world wars, Spanish flu |
| Profession | Socialite, never had to work | Postal worker, farmer | Worked in family rice shop until age 103 |
The search for longevity factors
Beyond individual stories, the science of longevity is a rapidly evolving field. Researchers at institutions like Boston University and the National Institutes of Health study supercentenarians to understand the genetic and environmental factors contributing to extreme old age. While luck and genetics account for a significant portion, especially for reaching such exceptional ages, lifestyle factors are also consistently observed.
Key areas of research focus on:
- Genetics: Some individuals carry genetic variants that provide a natural resistance to age-related diseases. The FOXO3 gene, for instance, has been linked to increased longevity.
- Epigenetics: This field explores how environmental and lifestyle factors, like diet and exercise, influence gene expression and aging.
- Lifestyle: Studies of Blue Zones—areas with high concentrations of centenarians—often highlight common traits like natural daily movement, plant-based diets, social engagement, and low stress.
Conclusion
Jeanne Calment holds the confirmed and widely accepted record for the longest human lifespan, living to an astounding 122 years. Despite a controversial challenge to her record, the extensive and rigorous verification of her age has cemented her place in history. Her story highlights the fascinating interplay between genetic predisposition, an active and low-stress lifestyle, and sheer chance in achieving extreme longevity. While most people will not live as long as Calment, the study of supercentenarians continues to provide valuable insights into the biological and environmental factors that contribute to longer, healthier lives.
