The Search for the Oldest Person to Ever Live: A Journey through History
Centenarians, individuals who are 100 years or older, are becoming more common around the world. However, who holds the title of the oldest person to ever live? This question has fascinated historians and scientists for ages. Let’s explore the historical records and scientific findings to see if we can unearth the answer and take a journey through history.
The Oldest Person to Ever Live
The Guinness World Records recognizes Jeanne Calment as the oldest person to ever live, who was born on February 21, 1875, and lived to be 122 years and 164 days. Although Jeanne’s age was confirmed by multiple reliable sources, some people doubt her age, citing the lack of birth records during her birth year. Another contender for the oldest person to ever live is Sarah Knauss, who was born on September 24, 1880, and lived to be 119 years and 97 days. However, her age, too, has been disputed by some experts.
Historical Records
Without access to birth certificates or official records, determining the oldest person to ever live can prove challenging. However, historical records can provide insights, albeit limited, into the age of individuals from centuries past. For instance, Ming dynasty scholar Wen Zhenheng claimed to be 230 years old when he died. Another person who claimed to have lived for over 200 years was Englishman Thomas Parr, whose claim was backed by King Charles I.
Scientific Studies
In recent years, scientific studies have tried to answer the question of human longevity. According to a study published in the journal Nature, humans may have a natural limit of around 115 years. This claim is based on the analysis of longevity records in different countries over the past few decades. The study suggests that while genetics plays a vital role in human longevity, lifestyle factors also contribute significantly.
Conclusion
Although we may never know with 100 percent certainty who the oldest person to ever live was, historical records and scientific studies provide fascinating insights. From claims of over 200 years old to scientific research pointing to a human longevity limit, the search for the oldest person to ever live has been a journey through history. The quest for longer life will always be enshrined in the human experience, and we can never stop searching for ways to extend our time on earth.
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