1. Jeanne Calment – 122 years old
Jeanne Calment is perhaps the most famous verified oldest person in history. Born in 1875 in France, she lived until 1997, when she passed away at the incredible age of 122. Throughout her long life, Jeanne witnessed some of the most significant events of the 20th century, including both World Wars and the discovery of penicillin.
2. Sarah Knauss – 119 years old
Sarah Knauss was an American woman who lived to the impressive age of 119. Born in 1880, she passed away in 1999, having seen more than a century of changes in the world. She remains one of the oldest people ever verified by the Guinness World Records, and is remembered as a kind and caring woman who loved spending time with her family.
3. Lucy Hannah – 117 years old
Lucy Hannah also lived to the age of 117 before passing away in 1993. Born in the United States in 1875, she was a fixture in her local community and was known for her gentle nature and positive outlook on life. She remains one of the oldest people ever verified by the Guinness World Records.
4. Emma Morano – 117 years old
Emma Morano was an Italian woman who holds the record for being the last living person born in the 1800s. She passed away in 2017 at the age of 117, having lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, and many other significant events. Emma attributed her long life to a diet of three eggs per day, a habit she developed in her youth.
5. Violet Brown – 117 years old
Violet Brown was born in Jamaica in 1900 and lived to the age of 117, passing away in 2017. She was known for her love of sweets and her strong Christian faith. Prior to her passing, Violet held the title of the world’s oldest living person for several months.
6. Kane Tanaka – 117 years old (still living)
Kane Tanaka is one of the few verified oldest people who is still alive today. Born in Japan in 1903, she has recently celebrated her 117th birthday and remains in good health despite her advanced age. Kane attributes her longevity to daily mental exercises and playing board games.
7. Susannah Mushatt Jones – 116 years old
Susannah Mushatt Jones was an American woman who lived to the age of 116 before passing away in 2016. She was known for her love of bacon and eggs, and was remembered by her family and friends as a generous and loving person.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the verified oldest people in the world, each with their unique story and approach to life. While some attributed their long life to genetics, others were known for their love of certain foods or daily routines. Regardless of the exact factors, these individuals all share a common trait – the ability to live long, vibrant lives in a world that can often be tough and unpredictable. As we continue to study the science of aging, it will be fascinating to see how many more people manage to push the limits of what is possible when it comes to living a long life.