The world’s oldest person made it to 122—3 reasons she lived so long, from a longevity expert who knew her

Jean Calment lived to age 122, maintaining the title of longest living person on record. Before her passing, she spoke with Jean-Marie Robine, an expert demographer who studies longevity.

The top reason Calment was able to live so long was due to being a wealthy woman. She was from a bourgeois family in the south of France, which allowed her to pursue an education, which was unheard of for women at the time. She had very low levels of stress due to never having to work and always having help around the house.

Another top factor is that Calment did not pick up her smoking habit until age 112. Additionally, due to all the free time she had, she had a robust social life. She was able to attend social events, meet new people, and travel with her husband. In fact, the pair visited the Eiffel Tower while it was still under construction.

For more information see Renee Once “The world’s oldest person made it to 122— 3 reasons she lived so long, from a longevity expert who knew her” CNBC Make It, February 21, 2023.

Special thanks to David S. Luber (Florida Probate Attorney) for bringing this article to my attention.

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/trusts_estates_prof/2023/02/the-worlds-oldest-person-made-it-to-1223-reasons-she-lived-so-long-from-a-longevity-expert-who-knew-.html