Longevity has always captivated human curiosity. Throughout history, a select group of individuals have lived beyond 110 years, earning the title of supercentenarians. Their lives offer valuable insights into healthy aging, lifestyle choices, and resilience. From Jeanne Calment of France, the oldest verified person at 122 years, to Susannah Mushatt Jones of the USA, these individuals not only defied time but also witnessed monumental social, technological, and cultural changes across centuries. Examining their lifespans, habits, and environments can provide lessons for modern longevity. This article highlights the top 10 longest-lived people, comparing their ages, nationalities, and the lifestyle factors that may have contributed to their extraordinary lifespans.
Top 10 longest lived people in the world
Source: Guinness World Records
World’s longest lived people
Jeanne Calment (France, 21 Feb 1875 – 4 Aug 1997) – 122 Years 164 DaysJeanne Calment remains the oldest verified person in history, living 122 years and 164 days. Born in Arles, France, she witnessed the invention of automobiles, airplanes, and even the internet era. Her longevity is attributed to genetics, a diet rich in olive oil and chocolate, moderate daily wine intake, and a physically active lifestyle. Jeanne’s positive outlook, wit, and stress-free approach to life also played a crucial role in her extraordinary lifespan.Sarah Knauss (USA, 24 Sep 1880 – 30 Dec 1999) – 119 Years 97 DaysSarah Knauss, the oldest American ever, lived 119 years and 97 days. She hailed from Pennsylvania and was known for her calm, cheerful personality. Sarah maintained a simple lifestyle with home-cooked meals and minimal stress. Social engagement, emotional stability, and a relaxed daily routine contributed to her longevity. Her life exemplifies how mental peace and stress-free living can significantly impact lifespan.Nabi Tajima (Japan, 4 Aug 1900 – 21 Apr 2018) – 117 Years 260 DaysNabi Tajima lived 117 years and 260 days in Kikai, Japan. She benefited from the traditional Okinawan lifestyle, which emphasizes plant-based diets, physical activity, and strong family support. Regular engagement with her community, low-stress living, and a positive attitude toward life are considered key factors in her exceptional lifespan. Nabi’s life exemplifies Japan’s cultural focus on health, wellness, and longevity.Marie-Louise Meilleur (Canada, 29 Aug 1880 – 16 Apr 1998) – 117 Years 230 DaysMarie-Louise Meilleur reached 117 years and 230 days in Quebec, Canada. She maintained social bonds and participated actively in her community, which strengthened her emotional well-being. Faith, optimism, and staying mentally engaged contributed to her longevity. Marie-Louise’s life illustrates that beyond diet and exercise, emotional and social factors are pivotal in achieving extreme longevity.Violet Brown (British West Indies, now Jamaica, 10 Mar 1900 – 15 Sep 2017) – 117 Years 189 DaysViolet Brown, from Jamaica, lived 117 years and 189 days. She credited her long life to simplicity, family support, and maintaining routine. Violet valued social connections, daily activity, and positivity, common among Caribbean centenarians. Her life demonstrates the interplay of community, diet, and attitude in promoting long-term health, making her one of the most notable supercentenarians in the Caribbean.Emma Morano (Italy, 29 Nov 1899 – 15 Apr 2017) – 117 Years 137 DaysEmma Morano, Italy’s oldest person, lived 117 years and 137 days. Famous for consuming raw eggs daily, she followed a diet low in processed foods. Emma lived independently, maintaining autonomy and mental sharpness, which contributed to her longevity. Her active lifestyle, moderation in habits, and strong willpower highlight the importance of both nutrition and personal independence in achieving a supercentenarian age.Chiyo Miyako (Japan, 2 May 1901 – 22 Jul 2018) – 117 Years 81 DaysChiyo Miyako lived 117 years and 81 days, spending her life in Japan, a nation with remarkable longevity records. She followed a diet rich in vegetables and fish, maintained daily activity, and enjoyed strong familial support. Chiyo’s life exemplifies how cultural practices, community engagement, and lifestyle consistency contribute to achieving extreme longevity while remaining mentally and physically healthy.Misao Okawa (Japan, 5 Mar 1898 – 1 Apr 2015) – 117 Years 27 DaysMisao Okawa, another Japanese supercentenarian, lived 117 years and 27 days. She credited her longevity to a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and family care. Misao valued simplicity, daily activity, and calm living. Her life reflects the Japanese model of aging, where diet, routine, mental wellness, and social bonds play a central role in maintaining health and achieving extreme ages.Maria Esther de Capovilla (Ecuador, 14 Sep 1889 – 27 Aug 2006) – 116 Years 347 DaysMaria Esther de Capovilla lived 116 years and 347 days in Ecuador. She led a modest, calm life in a natural environment, with simple routines and minimal stress. Maria emphasized family bonds, outdoor activity, and mental peace. Her life suggests that environmental factors, routine, and emotional stability are just as crucial as diet in promoting supercentenarian longevity.Susannah Mushatt Jones (USA, 6 Jul 1899 – 12 May 2016) – 116 Years 311 DaysSusannah Mushatt Jones lived 116 years and 311 days in the United States. She maintained mental activity, social connections, and a healthy lifestyle throughout her life. Susannah’s longevity was supported by emotional stability, routine, and staying physically and mentally engaged. Her life reinforces the significance of social bonds, mental wellness, and active engagement for those seeking extreme longevity.Also Read | WARNING! Japan releases AI-generated video showing Tokyo chaos if Mount Fuji erupts
