The record for the oldest verified person belongs to Jeanne Calment, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old
The title of the oldest verified person is held by Jeanne Calment from France, who lived an extraordinary 122 years and 164 days from 1875 to 1997. As per Guinness World Records, she was born and spent her final years in a nursing home in Arles.
Her life spanned two world wars, the Spanish Flu, and she even witnessed the construction of the Eiffel Tower. She claimed to have met Vincent Van Gogh in 1888 when he bought pencils from her father’s shop, a plausible story given that Van Gogh painted his famous Sunflowers in Arles.
Calment led a full life and passed away on August 4, 1997, outliving most of her family. While not overly health-conscious, she maintained a diverse diet and stayed active for most of her life.
A 1995 video of Calment, who had become hard of hearing and nearly blind at the time, revealed she had been compelled to quit her daily habit of two cigarettes and a glass of port before meals. However, she continued to enjoy chocolate and looked forward to many more birthdays.
She attributed her longevity to olive oil, port, and chocolate, only giving up smoking at the age of 120. Calment also credited her long life to her active lifestyle and keeping a serene disposition, reports Surrey Live. Impressively, she took up fencing at 85 and continued cycling until she was 100.
While port and chocolate may not be the healthiest of choices, olive oil certainly is. Known for its protective qualities against chronic illnesses like heart disease, it’s a staple in the Mediterranean diet. This diet has been linked to improved quality of life, increased lifespan, and decreased mortality rates.
Key points about the health benefits of olive oil:
- It’s rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
- It potentially reduces cardiovascular risk.
- It may support brain health.
- It’s beneficial for managing body-fat composition.
- It offers protection against chronic diseases.
Monounsaturated fat, which is good for the heart, can lower your risk of heart-related issues, including heart attacks and strokes. It also helps manage cholesterol levels by reducing ‘bad’ LDL and increasing ‘good’ HDL.
Studies suggest that a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) could help decrease central body fat and improve insulin sensitivity. Central fat accumulation is closely associated with obesity-related health problems, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Olive oil is packed with antioxidants like oleocanthal and oleacein, which fight inflammation in the body. Inflammation is thought to play a significant role in various chronic health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Research indicates that olive oil could potentially guard against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, thanks to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties it contains, particularly oleic acid. Studies have shown these substances can help reduce inflammation and lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a key marker of inflammation.
A 2015 study found that older individuals who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts showed improved cognitive function compared to those on a low-fat diet.
Olive oil is a staple in the diets of some of the world’s healthiest communities and is generally considered a good choice for most people. However, there have been occasional reports of allergies, typically linked to olive tree pollen rather than the oil itself.
When adding olive oil to your diet, it’s best to choose extra virgin olive oil as it’s the least processed and retains the most beneficial compounds. As olive oil is calorie-dense, moderation is key – consider using it as a replacement for other fats in your meals.
If you’re contemplating significant dietary changes, it’s advisable to consult your GP first. This is especially important if you have a specific health condition or are on medication, as they can ensure your changes won’t pose any health risks. Keep in mind genetics may play a role in how long someone lives.
Who else has lived a long time?
Jiroemon Kimura holds the record as the oldest verified man, reaching the remarkable age of 116 years and 54 days. He was born in Japan in 1897 and passed away in 2013.
Inah Canabarro Lucas is recognised as the oldest known living person as of February 2025, celebrating her 116 years and 237 days. She was born in Brazil in 1908.
João Marinho Neto, also from Brazil, is the oldest known living man as of February 2025, at the age of 112 years and 118 days. He was born in 1912.
Lucile Randon, affectionately known as Sister André, was a French nun who experienced two world wars, the 1918 influenza pandemic, and even survived Covid-19. She lived to be 118 years old.
Sarah Knauss was acknowledged in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest person. Born in 1880, she lived to the impressive age of 119 before her passing.