Discovering The Oldest Person Ever Lived: A Journey Through History
Have you ever been curious about the oldest person who ever lived? The answer to this question may surprise you. While it’s impossible to know with absolute certainty who the oldest person ever lived was, there are some incredible stories dating back centuries that give a glimpse into the longest lives on record. Let’s take a journey through history and explore some of the individuals who have gone down in history as the oldest people ever lived.
The Mythical Longevity of Li Ching-Yuen
According to a 1933 article in New York Times, a Chinese herbalist named Li Ching-Yuen was said to have lived to be 197 years old. The article was based on a 1928 document that claimed that Li was born in 1736 and had worked as a herb trader and martial arts instructor. The same source claimed that Li had 23 wives and more than 200 children. However, there’s no way to verify the claims made about Li’s age and longevity. Nonetheless, his story remains one of the most fascinating tales of extreme longevity.
Jeanne Calment of France – A Contender for the Oldest Person Ever Lived
Jeanne Calment, a French woman, lived to be 122 years and 164 days old. Calment, born in 1875, was interviewed about her years of life and spoke about Vincent Van Gogh, who painted her portrait, and her father who lived until 94. Despite rumors circulating that her daughter had taken her place at some point, there is extensive documentation to support Calment’s records. In 1997, Calment became famous because she was the oldest person who ever lived and her record has been nominated and accepted by the Guinness World Records.
The Long Life of Misao Okawa
Misao Okawa, born in 1898, became the world’s oldest person in 2013 and remained so until her passing in 2015. She died at age 117, in Japan. Her daily diet consisted of sushi and was reportedly in great health into her later years. Okawa’s secret to her long life was reportedly to have enjoyed a stress-free life.
Longevity Among Indigenous Populations
People from Indigenous populations have a higher chance of reaching old age, likely due to their healthy lifestyles, close-knit communities, and resilient spirits. There are many stories from throughout history to back up this claim. One example is Tanzam Nadi, a Batak woman from Indonesia who allegedly passed away at the age of 157 years. Another example is Chief Nimrod Kazend of the Berom tribe of Nigeria, who reportedly lived until he was 208 years.
Conclusion
While it’s difficult to know for certain who lived the longest, there are some fascinating stories of outliers who went on to live exceedingly long lives. These tales offer a glimpse into the human spirit, and an example of how living a stress-free life, having a supportive community, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can lead to a longer life. Let’s all be inspired by these stories, and aim to make the most of each day we have.
