Human fascination with longevity is timeless. While average life spans have steadily increased, reaching the age of 115 remains an extraordinary feat achieved by only a handful of individuals. These remarkable supercentenarians have witnessed the most transformative centuries in human history, living through world wars, technological revolutions, and profound social change. Based on verified records from Guinness World Records, here are the ten oldest people ever documented, each with a unique story behind their incredible years.
The Undisputed Record Holder: Jeanne Calment
Jeanne Calment of France holds the verified record for the longest human life span. Born on 21 February 1875, she passed away on 4 August 1997, having lived for 122 years and 164 days. Her life bridged eras; she reportedly met artist Vincent van Gogh in her youth and lived through both World Wars. Calment credited her longevity to an active lifestyle, a good sense of humour, and a philosophy of moderation. Notably, she maintained a sharp mind well into her advanced age.
Centuries Crossed: From Sarah Knauss to Emma Morano
Sarah Knauss of the United States (24 September 1880 – 30 December 1999) lived for 119 years and 97 days. Known for her exceptionally calm demeanour, she was famously unperturbed by daily stresses. Doctors and family believed her low-stress personality and habit of keeping busy were key to her long life. She was one of the rare individuals to live in three different centuries: the 19th, 20th, and 21st.
Another who spanned centuries was Emma Morano of Italy (29 November 1899 – 15 April 2017), the last verified person born in the 1800s. She lived for 117 years and 137 days, surviving two world wars. Morano's unusual diet, which for decades included three eggs a day, and her fierce independence were often cited as factors in her remarkable longevity.
The Japanese Legacy of Long Life
Japan, known for the longevity of its population, is home to several record-holders. Nabi Tajima (4 August 1900 – 21 April 2018) lived for 117 years and 260 days. A resident of Kagoshima Prefecture, she became the world's oldest living person in 2017. Her quiet life within a large family reflected Japan's strong culture of elder care.
Misao Okawa (5 March 1898 – 1 April 2015) lived for 117 years and 27 days. A native of Osaka, she witnessed Japan's rapid modernization. Okawa enjoyed traditional Japanese meals, regular sleep, and was known for her relaxed mindset, which many credited for her long life.
Chiyo Miyako (2 May 1901 – 22 July 2018) reached 117 years and 81 days. Known for her gentle and kind character, she enjoyed calligraphy and valued patience, often saying a smile was a secret to a peaceful, long life.
Global Tales of Extraordinary Age
Marie-Louise Meilleur of Canada (29 August 1880 – 16 April 1998) lived for 117 years and 230 days. This French-Canadian mother of twelve led a life centred on family, faith, and hard work in a rural setting. Her active lifestyle and strong social connections are considered pillars of her longevity.
From the Caribbean, Violet Brown of Jamaica (10 March 1900 – 15 September 2017) lived for 117 years and 189 days. She was Jamaica's first verified supercentenarian and worked for many years as a postmistress. Brown attributed her long life to her faith in God, simple food, and staying mentally engaged. She remained independent until very late in her life.
Maria Esther de Capovilla of Ecuador (14 September 1889 – 27 August 2006) lived for 116 years and 347 days, making her Ecuador's longest-lived person. Hailing from a well-known family, she led an active social life. Even in extreme old age, she remained alert, communicative, and impressed those around her with her clear memory and grace.
Common Threads in a Century of Life
While their diets and daily routines varied, common themes emerge from the lives of these ten individuals. Low stress levels, a positive or calm outlook, staying mentally and physically active, strong social or family ties, and moderation are frequently mentioned. Their lives are not just numbers but narratives of resilience, offering simple yet profound insights into the art of living well across an entire century.
