Oldest people

Oldest people refers to individuals who have reached extreme ages, significantly surpassing the average human lifespan. The study of these individuals provides valuable insights into gerontology, the science of aging, and has implications for understanding longevity and healthspan. This article focuses on notable records, factors contributing to extreme age, and the verification challenges associated with documenting the ages of the oldest people.

Records

The title of the "world's oldest person" is often attributed to individuals whose ages have been well-documented and verified. The Guinness World Records and the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) are among the organizations that verify and maintain records of supercentenarians (people aged 110 years or more). Jeanne Calment of France holds the record for the longest confirmed human lifespan, having lived 122 years and 164 days, from 1875 to 1997. Since Calment's death, several individuals have held the title of the world's oldest living person, with Kane Tanaka of Japan being one of the most recent, living to the age of 119 years.

Factors Contributing to Longevity

Research into the lives of the oldest people has identified several factors that may contribute to their longevity. These include genetics, lifestyle choices, diet, environment, and social connections. While genetics play a significant role, lifestyle factors such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking can also contribute to increased lifespan.

Verification Challenges

Verifying the ages of the oldest people poses significant challenges. Reliable birth records are essential for confirmation, but such documentation may not exist or may be difficult to access for individuals born in the 19th or early 20th centuries. The GRG and other organizations have strict criteria for age verification, requiring multiple independent documents to confirm birth dates.

Notable Oldest People

- Jeanne Calment: The longest confirmed human lifespan on record, living 122 years and 164 days. - Sarah Knauss: An American supercentenarian who lived to be 119 years and 97 days old. - Kane Tanaka: Recognized as the world's oldest living person until her death at the age of 119 years in 2021. - Jiroemon Kimura: The oldest verified male ever, who lived to be 116 years and 54 days old, from Japan.

Conclusion

The study of the oldest people offers insights into aging and longevity, with ongoing research aimed at understanding how to extend the healthspan and quality of life. As record-keeping and verification methods improve, the list of verified supercentenarians continues to grow, providing valuable data for gerontologists and demographers.

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