Key takeaways
- The longest living people in recorded history often lived consistent, balanced lives that included regular movement, social connection, and simple routines.
- While extreme longevity is rare, research suggests that everyday lifestyle patterns influence how well we age, not just how long we live.
- Modern longevity science increasingly focuses on healthspan — the years lived in good health — rather than chasing lifespan records.
Despite major advances in medicine and technology, the maximum verified human lifespan has not increased for more than two decades. The oldest confirmed age remains at 122 years and 164 days, a record held by Jeanne Calment (R, R).
This has prompted scientists to look beyond how long people live, and instead ask how people remain functional, resilient, and engaged at advanced ages. As a result, longevity research today places greater emphasis on maintaining wellbeing, mobility, cognition, and quality of life across the lifespan (R).
What scientists mean by “longest living”
Individuals who live beyond 110 years are known as supercentenarians. Their age is verified using historical documents such as birth records, census data, marriage certificates, and death records to ensure accuracy (R). Studying this rare group allows researchers to explore how genetics, environment, and lifestyle interact over many decades.
The longest lifespan: Jeanne Calment
Jeanne Calment lived to 122 years and remains the longest verified human lifespan on record. What stands out is not an extreme health regimen, but an ordinary and steady lifestyle. She walked daily well into her later years, stayed socially engaged, and maintained a strong sense of humour. Research examining people who reach very advanced ages consistently finds that ongoing mobility and social engagement are associated with better functional capacity in later life (R, R).
Moderation is key: Jiroemon Kimura
Jiroemon Kimura, the longest living verified man, reached 116 years. He followed a structured daily routine, ate modest portions, and remained mentally engaged with family and community. Studies of Japanese centenarians and supercentenarians suggest that dietary moderation, regular activity, and strong social structures are commonly observed in long-lived populations (R, R).
Lifelong engagement: Kane Tanaka
Kane Tanaka lived to 119 years and remained mentally active through puzzles, conversation, and daily rituals. Population studies show that social and intellectual engagement are associated with better cognitive resilience across the lifespan, particularly when combined with physical activity (R, R).
Emotional steadiness: Sarah Knauss
Sarah Knauss lived to 119 years and was widely described as calm and emotionally even-tempered. Research suggests that lower chronic stress exposure and effective emotional regulation are associated with healthier ageing trajectories, likely through effects on inflammatory and hormonal systems (R, R).
What the longest living people had in common
Across countries and generations, the longest living people shared several patterns:
- Gentle, regular movement
- Simple eating habits
- Strong social ties
- A sense of purpose and routine
Research suggests that genetics explain only part of extreme longevity, while lifestyle consistency and supportive environments play a substantial role (R).
What this means for us modern-day humans
Regular movement, social connection, stress moderation, and routine are consistently associated with better wellbeing as we age. Modern longevity science increasingly reflects this realistic, compassionate approach, valuing quality of life as much as length of life (R).
The takeaways
The lives of the longest living people remind us that healthy ageing is built quietly, through small, repeatable choices that support body, mind, and connection over time.
You don’t need to aim for 120 years to benefit from these lessons. Supporting mobility, engagement, and emotional balance can help you stay active and connected at any age.
Learn more from the real experts on healthy ageing: Want to Live to 100? Longevity Secrets of the Blue Zones.
