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 Calment is the oldest verified person in recorded history, living 122 years and 164 days. The French supercentenarian from Arles remains the only human confirmed to have reached age 120.

What it is – The longest verified human lifespan

Jeanne Louise Calment was born in Arles, France, in 1875 and died there in 1997. Her age was verified through documentary research, making her the longest-lived person on record. She became the oldest living person in 1990 and held the all-time record from 1991 until her death.

Why it matters – A benchmark in longevity studies

Calment’s record is a key reference in demographic and gerontological research, often cited in discussions about maximum human lifespan. For Canadian readers, she provides a global comparison point for studying supercentenarians and aging trends, including comparisons with Canadian record-holders.

Key details – Verification and controversy

Later years saw some researchers question the accuracy of Calment’s age, suggesting possible fraud. However, French specialists and published studies have defended the original documentation, and the record remains widely accepted as valid.