Unverified Claims of Living to 124
While living to 124 years old is a captivating idea, verifying such an age is challenging due to the lack of official birth records, particularly for those born in remote areas when record-keeping was inconsistent. The stories of Marcelino Abad and Francisca Susano are prominent examples of individuals claimed to have reached this age, though their claims remain unverified.
Marcelino Abad: Peru's Claim to the Oldest Man
In April 2024, Peruvian authorities stated that Marcelino Abad had turned 124. Abad, born in 1900 in Peru's Huanuco region, lived quietly in the Andes until 2019 when identified by the government. He was provided with identification, a pension, and assistance in applying to Guinness World Records. Abad attributes his longevity to a healthy diet and chewing coca leaves. His story highlights the potential for long life in traditional communities, but Guinness World Records has not yet verified his age due to the substantial evidence required.
Francisca Susano: The Philippines' Oldest Citizen
Francisca Susano, or 'Lola Iska,' from the Philippines, was reported to have died in November 2021 at the age of 124. Born in 1897, she was believed to be the last person alive from the 19th century. While her community celebrated her long life, official documentation was lacking, and her age was never certified by longevity researchers. Her case underscores the difficulties in verifying extreme ages from earlier eras.
The Verified Oldest Person: Jeanne Calment
Jeanne Calment of France holds the record for the longest documented human lifespan. Born in 1875, she died in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days. Her age was extensively researched and authenticated, supported by substantial evidence including census records. Her case sets the standard for verifying extreme longevity.
Unverified vs. Verified Claims of Extreme Longevity
| Feature | Unverified Claims (e.g., Abad, Susano) | Verified Claims (e.g., Jeanne Calment) |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation | Often lacks conclusive, corroborating birth records from the era of birth. | Supported by multiple credible, historical documents like census data and birth certificates. |
| Research Review | Not typically subjected to independent, multi-source scrutiny by longevity experts. | Rigorously investigated and validated by international bodies like the Gerontology Research Group. |
| Recognition | May be locally or nationally celebrated, but not globally recognized by official record-keeping bodies. | Officially recognized by authorities such as Guinness World Records and longevity research organizations. |
| Age Source | Based on personal testimony, family tradition, or unverified local records. | Confirmed through a consistent, cross-referenced paper trail proving identity and age. |
| Public Attention | Often receives a surge of media attention, but verification is the crucial next step. | Attracts media scrutiny but is backed by a verifiable, documented life history. |
The Rigor of Longevity Verification
Verifying a supercentenarian's age is a meticulous process requiring robust evidence. Guinness World Records, for example, demands proof "beyond doubt" through official documents like birth certificates and baptismal records, corroborated by other historical evidence such as census data and family histories. This evidence is then reviewed by independent experts.
Conclusion
While individuals like Marcelino Abad and Francisca Susano are celebrated for their claimed longevity of 124, these cases remain unverified by official bodies. The standard of proof established by verified cases like Jeanne Calment highlights the difficulty in confirming such extreme ages. The question of "who lived to be 124 years old?" underscores the fascinating intersection of human stories, historical records, and the scientific pursuit of understanding the limits of the human lifespan.
The Quest for Longevity
The study of longevity explores the factors contributing to extreme old age, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Research on supercentenarians offers insights into healthy living, and while reaching 124 isn't guaranteed, understanding these factors can promote healthspan. Future research with improved record-keeping and genetic testing may provide more definitive age verification and potentially confirm someone reaching or exceeding 124.
Guinness World Records - How Records Are Verified
What contributes to extreme age?
- Genetics: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition for longevity.
- Diet: Healthy eating habits are often cited.
- Lifestyle and Environment: Physical activity, community, and peaceful surroundings are believed to contribute.
- Inner Peace: Psychological well-being is considered a factor.
Future of Longevity Research
Advances in record-keeping, genetics, and biomarkers may lead to more definitive age verification in the future. This could help clarify historical claims and potentially verify the first person to reach or exceed 124 years old.
