The Secrets of the World's Oldest People

Exploring Longevity: Insights from the World’s Oldest People

Throughout history, certain individuals have lived remarkably long lives, often exceeding 100 years. Their stories provide valuable insights into the secrets behind longevity. Below is a look at some of the oldest verified people and the habits that contributed to their extraordinary lifespans.

1. Jeanne Calment (France) – 122 years, 164 days

• Born: February 21, 1875; Died: August 4, 1997.

• Known for having the longest verified lifespan.

• Consumed olive oil daily, believing in its health benefits.

• Regularly enjoyed dark chocolate.

• Had a moderate wine intake and occasionally smoked until age 117.

• Rode her bicycle until reaching 100 years old.

• Recognized for her positive and humorous outlook on life.

• Reportedly never faced significant stress.

• Her family also had a history of longevity.

  
  

2. Kane Tanaka (Japan) – 119 years, 107 days

• Born: January 2, 1903; Died: April 19, 2022.

• The oldest verified person from Japan.

• Staple foods included rice, fish, vegetables, and miso soup.

• Enjoyed occasional sweets and coffee.

• Made exercise a regular part of her routine.

• Engaged in puzzles and board games daily.

• Lived a structured and routine-oriented life.

• Survived significant historical events like WWII.

• Laughter and positivity were credited for her long life.

  
  

3. Sarah Knauss (USA) – 119 years, 97 days

• Born: September 24, 1880; Died: December 30, 1999.

• Oldest verified American ever.

• Focused on consuming fresh produce and dairy.

• Limited her intake of processed foods.

• Enjoyed a calm and stress-free life.

• Frequently socialized with family and friends.

• Witnessed immense technological advancements over her lifetime.

• Maintained independence until later years.

• Exemplified excellent mental health throughout her life.

  
  

4. Lucile Randon (France) – 118 years, 340 days

• Born: February 11, 1904; Died: January 17, 2023.

• Known as Sister André, the world's oldest nun.

• Followed a balanced diet, including vegetables and fish.

• Had a heart for sweets but managed them wisely.

• Actively participated in her religious community.

• Engaged in consistent prayer and spiritual practices.

• Survived COVID-19 at age 116.

• Emphasized compassion and maintained strong social ties.

  
  

5. Maria Branyas Morera (Spain/USA) – 117+ years

• Born: March 4, 1907; still alive.

• Currently the oldest living person as of now.

• Adopts a Mediterranean diet filled with vegetables, legumes, and grains.

• Regularly consumes olive oil, fish, and poultry.

• Stays engaged socially, maintaining a positive attitude despite challenges.

• Participates in mental activities regularly.

• Has lived through both the Spanish Flu and COVID-19.

• Values emotional balance and cherishes family connections deeply.

  
  

6. Nabi Tajima (Japan) – 117 years, 260 days

• Born: August 4, 1900; Died: April 21, 2018.

• Maintained a traditional Japanese diet focused on seafood and rice.

• Drank green tea every day.

• Stayed active with household chores.

• Enjoyed a calm and relaxed lifestyle.

• Witnessed five different eras in Japan, gaining respect in her community.

• Prioritized simplicity and a serene way of living.

  
  

7. Emma Morano (Italy) – 117 years, 137 days

• Born: November 29, 1899; Died: April 15, 2017.

• The last verified person born in the 1800s.

• Consumed eggs daily but limited meat.

• Favorable towards fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Had a consistent sleep routine.

• Lived independently for most of her life.

• Held strong to personal routines.

• Valued simplicity and maintained inner peace throughout her life.

  
  

8. Chiyo Miyako (Japan) – 117 years, 81 days

• Born: May 2, 1901; Died: July 22, 2018.

• Preferred a diet rich in fish and rice.

• Made green tea a regular part of her diet.

• Practiced daily physical activity.

• Maintained a cheerful and optimistic view on life.

• Engaged actively with family.

• Cherished laughter and positivity despite her long life.

• Was well-respected within her community.

  
  

9. Misao Okawa (Japan) – 117 years, 27 days

• Born: March 5, 1898; Died: April 1, 2015.

• Followed a traditional Japanese diet, including sushi.

• Regularly ate fish, rice, and vegetables.

• Enjoyed sweets in moderation.

• Committed to daily exercise.

• Lived a low-stress lifestyle characterized by strong family bonds.

• Credited restful sleep for her longevity.

  
  

10. Violet Brown (Jamaica) – 117 years, 189 days

• Born: March 10, 1900; Died: September 15, 2017.

• Maintained a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and moderate meat.

• Avoided processed foods entirely.

• Emphasized regular physical exercise.

• Had a strong religious faith.

• Fostered deep family relationships.

• Enjoyed daily interactions with her loved ones.

• Held an optimistic and cheerful perspective on life.

  
  

🧬 Common Factors Behind the Longest-Lived People in the World

Based on the biographies of the world’s ten verified oldest people, we can identify the following shared traits that contributed to their exceptional longevity:

1. 🥗 Natural, Uncomplicated Diet

• These remarkable individuals adhered to diets abundant in vegetables, fruits, and seafood.

• They minimized their intake of red meat and processed foods.

• Common dietary staples included olive oil, eggs, green tea, and dairy products.

  
  

2. 🚶‍♀️ Moderate and Regular Physical Activity

• Daily physical activity was a hallmark of their lives, regardless of age.

• Activities included walking, cycling, and performing household chores.

• They weren’t competitive athletes but regarded movement as part of their daily routines.

  
  

3. 😄 Positive Outlook and Mental Calm

• A positive attitude, humor, and inner peace were prevalent among these centenarians.

• They effectively managed stress, avoiding chronic anxiety.

  
  

4. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Strong Social Relationships

• Close family ties and community connections played a vital role in their lives.

• Daily interactions with loved ones provided essential emotional support.

  
  

5. 🧘‍♀️ Low Stress, Simple Routines

• Most led stable lives, free from upheaval.

• They followed consistent daily routines, which fostered tranquility.

  
  

6. 🧠 Continuous Mental Engagement

• Engaging in puzzles, reading, and games helped keep their minds sharp.

• They maintained mental clarity well into their final years.

  
  

7. 💡 Simple Lifestyle

• Living modestly characterized their approach to life, minimizing complexity and luxury.

  
  

8. ⛪ or 🕊️ Spiritual Belief or Practice

• Many valued spiritual practices, finding peace and acceptance through faith or meditation.

  
  

9. 🌿 Clean, Natural Environment

• Most lived in less polluted areas, which helped reduce their exposure to toxins.

  
  

10. 🧬 Strong Genetics

• Many of them had long-lived relatives, indicating a genetic predisposition towards longevity.

  
  

While each of these notable individuals had their unique lifestyle choices, their remarkable stories showcase common traits that contribute to living long and fulfilling lives. It's a blend of diet, exercise, social interactions, mental engagement, and positive outlook that appears to hold the secrets to longevity.