Top 10 Oldest People in the World
Human longevity has fascinated scientists and the public alike, as certain individuals defy odds to reach extraordinary ages. The oldest people in the world have often lived well beyond 110 years, a threshold known as supercentenarian status. This rare achievement typically includes people with unique genetic profiles, healthy lifestyles, and often, strong social and familial bonds. In addition, these individuals have witnessed tremendous historical changes over their lifetimes, from technological revolutions to world events, adding to their remarkable stories. This list ranks the ten oldest verified people in history based on their age at death. Each entry includes details about their birthplace, nationality, age, and interesting anecdotes that showcase the lives of these extraordinary individuals. Age verification for each person follows rigorous guidelines, and every entry here has been authenticated by international record-keeping organizations, such as the Gerontology Research Group (GRG).
| Rank | Person | Age | Birth Date | Death Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeanne Calment | 122 | Feb 21, 1875 | Aug 4, 1997 |
| 2 | Kane Tanaka | 119 | Jan 2, 1903 | Apr 19, 2022 |
| 3 | Sarah Knauss | 119 | Sep 24, 1880 | Dec 30, 1999 |
| 4 | Nabi Tajima | 117 | Aug 4, 1900 | Apr 21, 2018 |
| 5 | Lucy Hannah | 117 | Jul 16, 1875 | Mar 21, 1993 |
| 6 | Maria Giuseppa Robucci | 116 | Mar 20, 1903 | Jun 18, 2019 |
| 7 | Violet Brown | 117 | Mar 10, 1900 | Sep 15, 2017 |
| 8 | Emma Morano | 117 | Nov 29, 1899 | Apr 15, 2017 |
| 9 | Chiyo Miyako | 117 | May 2, 1901 | Jul 22, 2018 |
| 10 | Misao Okawa | 117 | Mar 5, 1898 | Apr 1, 2015 |
Jeanne Calment
Rank: 1
Age: 122
Jeanne Calment holds the record as the longest-living person in history, reaching an age of 122 years and 164 days. Born in Arles, France, Calment had an incredible life, meeting famous figures like Vincent van Gogh and seeing the advent of electricity and airplanes. Known for her sharp wit, Calment attributed her longevity to her active lifestyle and humor, as well as her love for olive oil, which she used for cooking and skin care. She maintained her independence well into old age, only moving into a nursing home at 110.
Did you know? Jeanne Calment took up fencing at age 85 and continued cycling until she was 100.
Kane Tanaka
Rank: 2
Age: 119
Kane Tanaka was recognized as the oldest living person before her death at 119. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, she survived cancer twice, lived through two world wars, and witnessed major global changes over her lifetime. Tanaka enjoyed board games and solving math puzzles well into her final years, keeping her mind active. She often said that family, sleep, and a sense of purpose contributed to her longevity, along with a strong love for chocolate and soda.
Did you know? Kane Tanaka was preparing to participate in the Tokyo Olympics torch relay at 118 but withdrew due to health concerns.
Sarah Knauss
Rank: 3
Age: 119
Born in Hollywood, Pennsylvania, Sarah Knauss lived for nearly 120 years, known for her calm and gentle nature. She survived numerous historic events, including the sinking of the Titanic and both World Wars. Knauss was known to have a quiet disposition, rarely complaining, and often said her longevity came from a life free from worry. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and golfing, and she lived independently until well past 100.
Did you know? When asked if she enjoyed living so long, she responded, "I enjoy it because I have my health and I can still do things."
Nabi Tajima
Rank: 4
Age: 117
Nabi Tajima was Japan’s oldest living person at her passing, having witnessed three emperors' reigns. Born on the small island of Kikaijima, she credited her longevity to a peaceful life and frequent laughter. With over 160 descendants, she was known as a family-oriented individual. Even at her advanced age, she enjoyed the company of children and great-grandchildren, and she celebrated with her community for each birthday milestone.
Did you know? Nabi Tajima enjoyed traditional Japanese dance, which she practiced well into her late years.
Lucy Hannah
Rank: 5
Age: 117
Lucy Hannah was born in Alabama shortly after the Civil War and became one of the few African-American supercentenarians. Moving to Detroit during the Great Migration, Hannah attributed her longevity to resilience and her close-knit family. Although she rarely shared personal details, her family cited her devotion to them and her perseverance through challenging times as cornerstones of her life.
Did you know? Lucy Hannah was the oldest verified African-American until her death.
Maria Giuseppa Robucci
Rank: 6
Age: 116
Known affectionately as “Nonna Peppa,” Maria Giuseppa Robucci was Italy’s oldest living person at her passing. Born in Apulia, she credited her longevity to her faith and family support. Robucci enjoyed good food, particularly pasta and bread, and took pride in her large family, including many great-grandchildren. Despite Italy’s dramatic changes over her life, she maintained strong traditional values and practices.
Did you know? She was the oldest living nun at the time of her death, having taken vows in her later years.
Violet Brown
Rank: 7
Age: 117
Violet Brown, affectionately called “Aunt V,” was Jamaica's oldest verified person. Born under British colonial rule, she saw her country's independence and development. Brown had a rich history in the Jamaican church and enjoyed sweets and storytelling with family. Her hard work ethic and dedication to family were traits she passed on to her many descendants.
Did you know? She was a descendant of former slaves and attributed her longevity to a simple, clean life and faith.
Emma Morano
Rank: 8
Age: 117
Emma Morano, born in 1899, was the last verified person born in the 1800s. Living in the Italian Alps, she credited her longevity to her independence and her unique diet of raw eggs, which she ate daily. Morano endured hardships, including two World Wars and personal losses, but she remained resilient and self-reliant.
Did you know? Emma Morano lived alone until age 115 and maintained strong opinions on her health and lifestyle choices.
Chiyo Miyako
Rank: 9
Age: 117
Known for her joyful spirit, Chiyo Miyako was Japan’s oldest person when she passed. She had a playful personality and enjoyed calligraphy, which she practiced daily. Miyako attributed her long life to her love of people and the beauty of art and words.
Did you know? Chiyo’s nickname was "the goddess" because of her charming, welcoming nature.
Misao Okawa
Rank: 10
Age: 117
Misao Okawa, Japan’s oldest person at the time, was famous for her cheerful disposition. She celebrated each birthday with sushi and credited her longevity to a balanced diet and plenty of sleep. Her simple lifestyle and optimism were central to her long life.
Did you know? She loved to dress up for photoshoots and celebrated her 116th birthday with sushi and a kimono.
