Longevity is a fascinating subject that has captivated the curiosity of humans for centuries. We are constantly intrigued by individuals who have managed to live exceptionally long lives and achieve incredible milestones.
Through careful research and documentation, we have compiled a list of the 30 individuals with the greatest longevity, each with their unique stories and remarkable accomplishments.
1. Jeanne Calment – 122 years, 164 days
Jeanne Calment holds the world record for the longest confirmed human lifespan. Born on February 21, 1875, in France, she lived an extraordinary life and witnessed remarkable historical events. Her longevity has been thoroughly investigated and verified.
2. Sarah Knauss – 119 years, 97 days
Sarah Knauss, born on September 24, 1880, in the United States, lived a remarkable life spanning three centuries. She was recognized as the world’s oldest living person from April 16, 1998, until her death on December 30, 1999.
3. Nabi Tajima – 117 years, 260 days
Nabi Tajima, a supercentenarian born on August 4, 1900, in Japan, became the world’s oldest living person on April 21, 2018. She held the title until her passing on April 21, 2018, at the age of 117 years and 260 days.
4. Emma Morano – 117 years, 137 days
Emma Morano, born on November 29, 1899, in Italy, was the last known person alive born in the 1800s. She was also the oldest Italian person ever recorded and the last verified person to have been born before the 20th century.
5. Violet Brown – 117 years, 189 days
Violet Brown, a Jamaican woman born on March 10, 1900, became the oldest living person after the passing of Emma Morano on April 15, 2017. She held the title until her death on September 15, 2017.
6. Chiyo Miyako – 117 years, 81 days
Chiyo Miyako, born on May 2, 1901, in Japan, held the title of the world’s oldest living person from April 19, 2018, until her passing on July 22, 2018. She was known for her vibrant personality and love for calligraphy.
7. Misao Okawa – 117 years, 27 days
Misao Okawa, born on March 5, 1898, in Japan, became the world’s oldest living person on June 27, 2013. She held the title until her death on April 1, 2015. Okawa attributed her longevity to a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep.
8. Jiroemon Kimura – 116 years, 54 days
Jiroemon Kimura, born on April 19, 1897, in Japan, was officially recognized as the world’s oldest living man in December 2012. He passed away on June 12, 2013, but during his lifetime, he became a symbol of Japan’s aging society.
9. Kane Tanaka – 118 years, 133 days
Kane Tanaka, born on January 2, 1903, in Japan, is currently recognized as the world’s oldest living person. She holds various records for longevity, including being the oldest verified living person in the history of Japan.
10. Gertrude Weaver – 116 years, 276 days
Gertrude Weaver, born on July 4, 1898, in the United States, became the world’s oldest living person on April 1, 2015. She held the title until her passing on April 6, 2015. Weaver attributed her long life to kindness and treating others well.
11. Jeralean Talley – 116 years, 25 days
Jeralean Talley, born on May 23, 1899, in the United States, became the world’s oldest living person on April 6, 2015. She held the title until her death on June 17, 2015. Talley enjoyed playing the slot machines and gardening.
12. Susannah Mushatt Jones – 116 years, 311 days
Susannah Mushatt Jones, born on July 6, 1899, in the United States, held the title of the world’s oldest living person from June 17, 2015, until her death on May 12, 2016.
She lived an incredible life and was known for her love of bacon and hot dogs.
13. Maria Capovilla – 116 years, 347 days
Maria Capovilla, born on September 14, 1889, in Ecuador, became the oldest living person on January 23, 2003. She passed away on August 27, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable longevity.
14. Jeanne Louise Calment – 114 years, 347 days
Jeanne Louise Calment, born on February 21, 1875, in France, was the longest-lived human whose age is authenticated. She lived a vibrant life and became famous for living to remarkable old age.
15. Susie Gibson – 116 years, 29 days
Susie Gibson, born on October 31, 1890, in the United States, held the title of the world’s oldest living person from January 12, 2006, until her death on February 16, 2006. She left a lasting impression on those around her.
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16. Augusta Holtz – 115 years, 79 days
Augusta Holtz, born on August 3, 1871, in Poland, held the title of the world’s oldest living person from October 22, 1987, until her death on October 21, 1986. She lived a fascinating life that spanned three centuries.
17. Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper – 115 years, 62 days
Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper, born on June 29, 1890, in the Netherlands, became the oldest person in the Netherlands on September 29, 2001. She held the title until her death on August 30, 2005, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary longevity.
18. Maggie Barnes – 115 years, 319 days
Maggie Barnes, born on March 6, 1882, in the United States, held the title of the world’s oldest living person on October 21, 1997. She passed away on January 19, 1998, but her long life continues to inspire others.
19. Dina Manfredini – 115 years, 257 days
Dina Manfredini, born on April 4, 1897, in Italy, became the world’s oldest living person on December 17, 2011. She held the title until her death on December 17, 2012.
Manfredini attributed her long life to enjoying her favorite foods and staying active.
20. Elizabeth Bolden – 116 years, 118 days
Elizabeth Bolden, born on August 15, 1890, in the United States, became the world’s oldest living person on August 25, 2006. She held the title until her death on December 11, 2006. Bolden lived a fulfilling life surrounded by her large family.
21. Besse Cooper – 116 years, 100 days
Besse Cooper, born on August 26, 1896, in the United States, became the world’s oldest living person on January 31, 2011. She held the title until her death on December 4, 2012.
Cooper credited her longevity to minding her own business and avoiding junk food.
22. Maria Gomes Valentim – 114 years, 347 days
Maria Gomes Valentim, born on July 9, 1896, in Brazil, became the world’s oldest living person on May 18, 2011. She passed away on June 21, 2011, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable longevity.
23. Tane Ikai – 114 years, 196 days
Tane Ikai, a supercentenarian born on January 18, 1879, in Japan, became the world’s oldest living person on January 13, 1995. She held the title until her death on July 12, 1995.
24. Christian Mortensen – 115 years, 252 days
Christian Mortensen, born on August 16, 1882, in Denmark, became the world’s oldest living man on April 12, 1998. He passed away on April 25, 1998, but during his remarkable life, he became an iconic symbol of longevity.
25. Emiliano Mercado del Toro – 115 years, 156 days
Emiliano Mercado del Toro, born on August 21, 1891, in Puerto Rico, became the world’s oldest living person on February 23, 2007. He held the title until his death on January 24, 2007, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional longevity.
26. Charlotte Benkner – 114 years, 231 days
Charlotte Benkner, born on November 16, 1889, in the United States, held the title of the world’s oldest living person from May 14, 2004, until her death on May 14, 2006. She lived a long and fulfilling life.
27. Anne Primout – 114 years, 227 days
Anne Primout, born on October 5, 1890, in France, held the title of the world’s oldest living person from March 4, 2005, until her death on June 26, 2006. Primout lived a quiet life and was loved by those around her.
28. Eunice Sanborn – 114 years, 195 days
Eunice Sanborn, born on July 20, 1896, in the United States, became the world’s oldest living person on January 31, 2011. She held the title until her death on January 31, 2011, at the age of 114 years and 195 days.
29. Adelina Domingues – 114 years, 221 days
Adelina Domingues, born on February 19, 1888, in the United States, became the world’s oldest living person on August 13, 2002. She passed away on August 21, 2002, but her extraordinary longevity remains an inspiration.
30. Maria de Jesus – 115 years, 114 days
Maria de Jesus, born on September 10, 1893, in Portugal, became the world’s oldest living person on December 29, 2009. She held the title until her death on January 2, 2010. De Jesus lived a humble life and cherished time spent with her family.
