Uncovering the Mystery: Who is the World’s Oldest Person Today?
As human beings, we’re fascinated with age, which is why we’re always curious to know who holds the title of “World’s Oldest Person.” But with so many claims and controversies, it’s difficult to determine who currently holds the record. In this article, we’ll explore the mystery of who the World’s Oldest Person is today and take a closer look at some of the contenders.
The Gerontology Research Group
The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is a non-profit organization that verifies and maintains records of supercentenarians – individuals who are 110 years or older. According to the GRG, as of September 2021, the oldest living person is Kane Tanaka, a 118-year-old woman from Japan. Tanaka was born on January 2, 1903, and she’s been recognized as the world’s oldest living person since 2019.
Contenders for the Title
While Kane Tanaka is the current titleholder, there are other individuals who have made claims to the “World’s Oldest Person” title. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
Lucile Randon
Lucile Randon, also known as Sister André, is a 117-year-old nun living in France. She was born on February 11, 1904, and claims to be the world’s second-oldest person. However, due to the lack of official documentation, the Gerontology Research Group has been unable to verify her age.
Emiliano Mercado del Toro
Emiliano Mercado del Toro was a Puerto Rican veteran of both World War I and II, born on August 21, 1891. He was recognized as the oldest living man from 2004 until his death in January 2007, at the age of 115 years and 156 days.
Sarah Knauss
Sarah Knauss was an American supercentenarian who held the record for being the oldest person in the world at the time of her death. She was born on September 24, 1880, and died on December 30, 1999, at the age of 119 years and 97 days.
The Importance of Accurate Age Verification
The verification process plays an important role in determining the world’s oldest person. When verifying the age of a supercentenarian, the Gerontology Research Group requires extensive documentation, including original birth certificates, census records, and other official documents. Without such documentation, the claimed age cannot be verified, and the individual cannot be recognized officially.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kane Tanaka is the current titleholder of the world’s oldest living person, according to the Gerontology Research Group. However, there are other contenders who have claimed the title, but their ages have not been verified. As we continue to learn more about the aging process, it’s important to accurately verify the age of individuals who hold the title of “World’s Oldest Person.”
