Gertrude Baines, African-American super-centenarian (d. 2009)

The pursuit of understanding extreme human longevity captivates many, leading to the meticulous compilation of lists detailing the oldest individuals known to have ever lived, as well as those currently among us. These comprehensive records track the very limits of the human lifespan, focusing specifically on individuals whose advanced ages have been independently verified by rigorous documentation.

These lists typically feature the 100 known verified oldest people, presented in a clear, descending order based on their age, precisely measured in years and days. This precise measurement highlights the extraordinary achievement of each individual in reaching such an advanced stage of life, often well into their second century.

Pioneers of Extreme Longevity: The All-Time Verified Record Holders

Among the countless individuals who have graced our planet, a few stand out for achieving truly unprecedented ages, setting records that inspire awe and further scientific inquiry into the secrets of a long life.

The Longest Life Ever Verified: Jeanne Calment

The individual with the longest independently verified lifespan in human history is Jeanne Calment from France. Born in Arles in 1875, she lived an extraordinary 122 years and 164 days, passing away in 1997. Her remarkable age has been exhaustively scrutinized and confirmed, solidifying her status as the oldest person ever whose age has been irrefutably proven.

The Oldest Verified Man: Jiroemon Kimura

Not far behind in the annals of extreme longevity is the oldest verified man ever, Jiroemon Kimura of Japan. Born in 1897, he lived to the impressive age of 116 years and 54 days before his passing in 2013. His life underscores Japan's prominent position in global longevity statistics, a nation often celebrated for its centenarians and supercentenarians.

Current Icons of Longevity: The Oldest Living Individuals

While historical records celebrate past achievements, the world also closely watches those currently holding the title of the oldest living people. These individuals serve as contemporary symbols of human resilience and the ongoing potential for extended lifespans. It is important to note that these titles are dynamic and change as time progresses, and the ages mentioned reflect the data as it was at the time of the original text's compilation.

The Oldest Known Living Person: Kane Tanaka (as per original text's timeframe)

At the time the provided data was compiled, the oldest known living person was Kane Tanaka, also from Japan. She had reached an astonishing age of 119 years and 86 days, continuing Japan's remarkable legacy in extreme longevity. Her life journey is a testament to enduring health and vitality.

The Oldest Known Living Man: Juan Vicente Pérez Mora (as per original text's timeframe)

Similarly, the oldest known living man at the time of the data was Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, hailing from Venezuela. He was recorded at the age of 112 years and 306 days, representing his country on the global stage of supercentenarians and demonstrating the diverse geographical distribution of extreme age.

A Noteworthy Trend: Gender Disparity in Longevity

A striking and consistent observation across these lists of the oldest individuals is the pronounced difference in longevity between genders. Statistically, the 100 oldest women have, on average, lived several years longer than their male counterparts in the top 100. This intriguing pattern suggests potential biological, genetic, or even lifestyle-related factors that contribute to women's higher likelihood of reaching and surpassing extreme ages, a phenomenon that continues to be a subject of scientific study and fascination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does it mean for an age to be "independently verified"?
Independent verification means that an individual's birth date and, if applicable, death date have been rigorously confirmed through multiple official documents, such as birth certificates, census records, marriage certificates, and other historical documents. This process ensures the factual accuracy of the claimed age beyond anecdotal evidence.
Why are ages specified in years and days?
Ages are specified in years and days to provide the utmost precision, especially when distinguishing between individuals who have lived for very similar, extremely long durations. At such advanced ages, even a few days can determine who is older in a ranked list or who holds a specific longevity record.
Do the lists of "oldest living persons" change often?
Yes, the lists of the oldest living persons are dynamic and change frequently, often with the passing of an individual, the discovery of a previously unverified older person, or the ongoing updates of existing records. This means the specific names and ages of the oldest living individuals are subject to change over relatively short periods.
Is there a common reason why women tend to live longer than men at extreme ages?
While the exact reasons are complex and multifaceted, scientific research points to a combination of biological, genetic, and even lifestyle factors. Women generally exhibit a stronger immune response, lower rates of certain age-related diseases earlier in life, and potentially different social and behavioral patterns that contribute to their extended longevity, especially at supercentenarian ages.
What is a "supercentenarian"?
A supercentenarian is an individual who has reached the age of 110 years or older. This term is used to categorize those who have achieved an exceptional level of longevity, going beyond the more common classification of a "centenarian" (someone who has reached 100 years old).