The list of the longest living people in the world is constantly changing as new individuals reach extreme old age. However, here is a list of some of the verified oldest living people in the world.
Top 5 longest living people in the world
1. Jeanne Calment
Jeanne Calment was a French supercentenarian who lived to be the oldest person in recorded history, with a lifespan of 122 years and 164 days. She was born on February 21, 1875, in Arles, France, and passed away on August 4, 1997.
Throughout her life, Calment was known for her wit, humor, and lively personality. She was also an avid painter and had a keen interest in music and sports, including fencing and cycling. Calment was married for 46 years to her husband, Fernand, who passed away in 1942, and she lived independently until the age of 110, when she moved into a nursing home.
Calment’s longevity was attributed to a combination of factors, including good genes, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive attitude. She reportedly never smoked, drank only moderately, and maintained a healthy diet that included olive oil, which is common in the Mediterranean region. She also walked or cycled regularly and enjoyed playing tennis until the age of 85.
Calment became famous in the 1990s as the world’s oldest person and was the subject of many interviews and media appearances. Her age was verified by the Guinness World Records and has been accepted by the scientific community. She remains a symbol of extraordinary longevity and a testament to the power of a healthy lifestyle.
2. Kane Tanaka
Kane Tanaka is a Japanese woman who was born on January 2, 1903, in Fukuoka, Japan. She passed away on April 19, 2022, at the age of 119 years and 107 days.
Tanaka was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person in 2019. She has lived through some of the most significant events in world history, including both World Wars and the coronation of Emperor Hirohito. Tanaka currently lives in a nursing home in Fukuoka, where she enjoys playing board games and solving arithmetic problems.
Tanaka’s longevity has been attributed to a combination of genetics, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle. She reportedly sleeps for at least eight hours a day and exercises regularly, including playing wheelchair basketball. Despite her advanced age, she remains in good health and high spirits, with a positive outlook on life.
3. Lucile Randon
Lucile Randon, also known as Sister André, is a French nun who is the second oldest living person in the world. Lucile Randon was born on February 11, 1904, in Ales, France. She passed away on January 17, 2023, at the age of 118 years and 340 days.
Sister André is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and she has lived through some of the most significant events in French and world history, including World War I and World War II. She began her religious life in 1944 and has lived in a variety of religious institutions since then.
Despite her advanced age, Sister André remains in good health and is reportedly lucid and able to communicate with visitors. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 in January 2021 but recovered quickly and was able to celebrate her 117th birthday in good health. Sister André has attributed her longevity to her faith in God, a healthy diet, and a stress-free lifestyle.
4. Hester Ford
Hester Ford was an American supercentenarian who was born on August 15, 1905, in Lancaster County, South Carolina, United States. She death on April 17, 2021, at the age of 116.
Ford grew up in South Carolina and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in the 1950s with her husband, John. Together, they raised 12 children, and Ford lived to see more than 200 of her descendants, including great-great-great-grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Ford was known for her strong faith and dedication to her family. She was a lifelong member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Charlotte, where she served as the oldest living member and sang in the choir until the age of 108.
Ford’s longevity was attributed to a combination of factors, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a positive outlook on life. She reportedly never smoked or drank alcohol, and she maintained an active lifestyle well into her 100s, often walking around her neighborhood with the aid of a walker.
Ford’s passing was mourned by many in her community, and she was remembered as a beloved matriarch who lived a full and meaningful life.
5. Thelma Sutcliffe
Thelma Sutcliffe was an American woman who was born on October 1, 1906, in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. She death on January 17, 2022, at the age of 116.
Sutcliffe grew up in Omaha, where she worked for many years as a secretary and stenographer. She never married or had children, and she lived alone in her own home until the age of 107. She then moved into an assisted living facility, where she lived until her passing.
Throughout her life, Sutcliffe was known for her love of sports and physical activity. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf in her younger years and continued to walk and exercise well into her 100s. She was also an avid fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team and rarely missed a game.
Sutcliffe’s longevity was attributed to a combination of factors, including a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and good genes. She reportedly had a positive outlook on life and was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. Sutcliffe’s passing was mourned by many in her community, and she was remembered as a kind and gracious woman who lived life to the fullest.
It is worth noting that the verification of the ages of the world’s oldest living people is a complex and often contested process, and there may be other individuals who have lived to extreme old age but whose ages have not been officially verified.