World oldest people

the World’s Oldest People and the Secrets They Hold to a Long, Full Life

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live for more than a century? Imagine seeing two world wars, the rise of television, the invention of the internet, and maybe even using a smartphone in your 110s. As wild as it sounds, there are people who’ve done exactly that—and more.

They’re called supercentenarians, which means they’ve lived to the age of 110 or beyond. While most of us are lucky to blow out 80 or 90 candles on our birthday cakes, these rare individuals seem to have discovered the magic formula—whether it’s through genes, lifestyle, attitude, or a little bit of all three.

Let’s dive into the extraordinary lives of the world’s oldest people—both past and present—and explore what we might learn from them about living a longer, fuller life.

1. Jeanne Calment – The Unbeatable Record Holder (122 Years, 164 Days)

If there were a gold medal for longevity, **Jeanne Calment** of France would be wearing it. Born in 1875, she lived until 1997, reaching the astonishing age of 122 years and 164 days. That’s right—she lived through the Eiffel Tower’s construction, two world wars, and even met Vincent van Gogh when she was a teenager.

So, what was her secret? Jeanne had a surprisingly laid-back lifestyle. She didn’t follow any strict diets or health regimens. In fact, she enjoyed chocolate daily and didn’t quit smoking until she was 117 (yes, 117!). She credited her long life to olive oil, a sense of humor, and a stress-free life.

When asked about her longevity, she once joked, “If you can’t do anything about it, don’t worry about it.”

That kind of zen attitude seems to be a common thread among the world’s oldest people.

2. Jiroemon Kimura – The Oldest Verified Man (116 Years, 54 Days)

Moving over to Japan—a country well known for its high number of centenarians—we meet **Jiroemon Kimura**, the oldest verified man in history. Born in 1897, he passed away in 2013, just after turning 116.

Jiroemon was a humble man. He worked as a postman and farmer, retiring at 65 but continuing to tend to his farm until he was 90. His philosophy? *“Eat light, live long.”* He believed in moderation, both in food and in life.

He also kept his brain active, reading newspapers daily until he was nearly blind. He lived with his family, surrounded by love and care. His life shows us that staying connected, eating simply, and remaining mentally engaged might just be the secret combo to a long and healthy life.

3. Maria Branyas Morera – The Current Champion (118 and Counting!)

As of 2025, **Maria Branyas Morera** holds the title of the world’s oldest living person. Born in the United States in 1907 but raised and living in Spain, Maria is a fascinating woman who has seen three different centuries.

She survived the Spanish flu pandemic, two world wars, and even COVID-19 in 2020—at age 113! Her sharp wit and strong spirit have won the admiration of many.

She once said, *“Longevity is about staying away from toxic people, maintaining peace of mind, and enjoying a good connection with family and nature.”* That’s not just wholesome advice—it might be scientific, too. Studies show that emotional well-being and social connection are strongly linked to a longer lifespan.

4. Sister André (Lucile Randon) – A Life of Faith and Resilience (118 Years, 340 Days)

Another recent supercentenarian, **Sister André**, was the second-oldest French person ever. Born in 1904, she dedicated much of her life to religious service as a Catholic nun and passed away in early 2023, just weeks before turning 119.

She made headlines globally when she survived COVID-19 at the age of 116. When journalists asked how she felt about it, she simply replied, “I didn’t even realize I had it.”

Her lifestyle was simple—structured days, spiritual grounding, and service to others. Even after losing her sight and mobility, she maintained a positive outlook. Her caregivers often remarked that her warmth and gratitude were contagious.

5. Kane Tanaka – Joyful Living in Japan (119 Years)

**Kane Tanaka** of Japan lived to 119 before passing away in April 2022. She was another global favorite, known for her bright smile, playful personality, and love for board games and soda.

Her family said she stayed mentally sharp by doing puzzles and math problems. She also loved talking with others and had a habit of waking up early, keeping a routine, and engaging with her surroundings.

She once said, “Being with family and having hope makes life worth living.”

6. Sarah Knauss – The USA’s Longevity Queen (119 Years, 97 Days)

Over in the U.S., Sarah Knauss holds the record for the longest-living American, born in 1880 and passing in 1999. A calm, gentle woman, Sarah didn’t seem particularly interested in breaking records. When told she was the world’s oldest person, she simply responded, “So what?”

Her daughter, who lived to be 101 herself, said that Sarah was “never angry” and lived life with grace. Her demeanor and steady, drama-free lifestyle might have been her secret weapon in the longevity game.

What Do They All Have in Common?

Now that we've taken a virtual tour through more than a century of humanity via the lives of these amazing individuals, one thing is clear: there’s no single “magic pill” for living past 110. But there are a few striking similarities:

1. Mental Peace and Low Stress

Almost every supercentenarian mentions having a calm, relaxed mindset. Whether it was Jeanne Calment’s humorous take on life or Sarah Knauss’s tranquil attitude, stress seems to be the one thing they all avoided.

2. Social Connection

None of them were isolated. They had family, friends, community, or spiritual groups around them. Human connection clearly plays a role in our health and well-being.

3. Purpose and Routine

Many of them kept working or stayed active long after retirement age. They had a reason to get up in the morning—whether it was faith, family, gardening, or reading the news.

4. Simple, Balanced Diets

Forget fad diets. Most ate fresh, local foods and practiced moderation. Olive oil, vegetables, fruits, fish, and small portions seemed to be common threads.

5. Genetic Luck

Of course, genes matter. Some researchers believe up to 30% of lifespan is influenced by genetics. Many supercentenarians have siblings or parents who also lived to be 90 or old. 

The Science of Super-Aging

Researchers are studying supercentenarians to understand what makes them so unique. Here are some interesting findings:

* Their cells may age more slowly, with less DNA damage.

* They have stronger immune systems, even late in life.

* Many show a slower onset of age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s or heart disease.

In Japan, where the government recognizes citizens turning 100 with a silver-plated sake cup, studies of centenarians have become central to public health planning. The Mediterranean diet, Okinawan lifestyle, and even the “Blue Zones” concept have gained traction from observing these long-living regions.

Can You Live to 100 (Or Beyond)?

The answer is... maybe! While not everyone will become a supercentenarian, living to 90 or 100 is becoming more common, especially if you take care of your health.

Here are a few habits that might just add years (and joy) to your life:

Stay curious and keep learning—whether it’s a book, a crossword puzzle, or trying a new recipe

Eat mindfully—focus on plant-based foods, healthy fats, and small portions

Move your body—walk, dance, stretch, garden—just stay active

Connect with others—build and maintain relationships

Laugh often and don’t sweat the small stuff

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Living Fully

The world’s oldest people don’t just teach us how to live longer—they teach us how to live better. They remind us that it’s not about avoiding death, but about embracing life with gratitude, humor, and heart.

So the next time you worry about wrinkles or forget your keys, remember: Jeanne Calment took up fencing in her 80s, Sister André lived through a pandemic at 116, and Kane Tanaka was still doing math puzzles at 118.

FAQ

1. Who is the oldest person to ever live?

The oldest verified person is Jeanne Calment from France, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old.

2. What common habits do the world’s oldest people share?

They often share habits like low-stress lifestyles, strong social connections, simple diets, daily routines, and a positive outlook on life.

3. Can lifestyle choices really extend your life?

Yes, while genetics play a role, studies show that healthy eating, regular activity, mental engagement, and emotional well-being can significantly boost longevity.