Jeanne Calment

Jeanne Louise Calment was a French supercentenarian from Arles whose age has been verified as the longest human lifespan on record, at 122 years and 164 days.

Jeanne Louise Calment was a French supercentenarian from Arles whose age has been verified as the longest human lifespan on record, at 122 years and 164 days. She remains the only person verified to have reached age 120 and older, and her longevity drew extensive scientific and media attention.

Life and background

Jeanne Louise Calment was born in Arles, France, on 21 February 1875 and lived there for her entire life. She died in Arles on 4 August 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days.

Longevity record

Calment’s age has been verified through documentary research and is recognized as the longest confirmed human lifespan. She became the oldest verified living person in 1990 and held the all-time record for verified longevity from 1991 until her death in 1997. She remains the only verified person to have reached age 120.

Verification and controversy

In later years, some researchers questioned whether the age record was accurate, suggesting possible fraud. However, French specialists and published studies have rejected these allegations and maintained that her age was well documented.

Public attention

Calment’s longevity attracted significant media coverage and scientific interest in factors that might have contributed to her long life. Accounts often mention her own remarks about diet and occasional wine consumption, although these are anecdotal rather than proof of causation.