Frequently Asked Questions

What is a supercentenarian?

A supercentenarian is a person who has lived 110 years or longer, surpassing 40,000 days of life. Supercentenarians are the longest-living individuals in the world, and their longevity is studied to understand the limits of human lifespan.

How many supercentenarians are there?

There have been over 3,000 verified supercentenarians worldwide according to LongeviQuest research. However, the actual number may be closer to 10,000, as many cases lack sufficient age verification documentation. At any given time, there are approximately 300-500 living supercentenarians, and this number is increasing due to advancements in health care, longevity research, and record keeping.

Are supercentenarians super-healthy?

Supercentenarians tend to avoid major chronic illnesses until very late in life and often maintain physical and cognitive resilience beyond age 100. It’s still an extremely rare phenomenon: only 1 in 1,000 centenarians reach their 110th birthday.

How do you know if someone is really a supercentenarian?

LongeviQuest verifies supercentenarians through a rigorous age validation process. Researchers examine records spanning the person’s lifespan, including birth records, census data, and historical documents. This ensures that only accurate cases are recognized.

Where do supercentenarians live?

Supercentenarians live worldwide, but their numbers vary by country and living conditions. Nations with strong health care systems and accurate birth records tend to have more documented cases. Some regions may have fewer verified supercentenarians due to limited historical documentation.

Why do women live longer than men?

Women generally live longer than men due to biological and behavioral factors. The second X chromosome provides a genetic advantage against certain diseases, while lower risk-taking behavior also contributes to increased life expectancy. Approximately 90% of verified supercentenarians are female.

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What is the secret to becoming a supercentenarian?

There is no single secret to longevity, but common habits among supercentenarians including staying active, maintaining strong social connections, eating a balanced diet, and having a positive mindset. Genetics also play a significant role in exceptional longevity.

Are all supercentenarians as old as they claim?

Not all supercentenarian age claims are accurate. Some individuals overstate or understate their age due to record-keeping errors or, sometimes, intentional exaggeration. Verified supercentenarians must have strong historical documentation to confirm their longevity.

Have there been any “famous” supercentenarians?

Most supercentenarians remain relatively unknown until their longevity attracts attention. However, some are notable for achievements beyond their age, including:

A physician who helped invent the whooping cough vaccine
An engineer who introduced cross-country skiing in North America
The former First Lady of Costa Rica

Can I become a supercentenarian?

Only 1 in 100,000 people live to see their 11oth birthday. Achieving exceptional longevity requires a combination of good genes, a healthy lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Are there any shortcuts to longevity?

Many longevity gurus claim to have found ways to prolong life through drugs, diets, or therapies, but no proven method yet exists. Until someone reaches 110 years old using a certain method, the effectiveness of the treatment remains unverified.

Are there “animal supercentenarians?”

Yes, some animals live extraordinarily long lives. Certain whales and tortoises surpass 100 years, and some parrots approach the maximum human lifespan. Unfortunately, most dogs and cats do not live nearly as long as humans.

Who was the first supercentenarian?

The first verified supercentenarian was Geert Adriaans Boomgaard (Netherlands, 1788-1899). The first verified female supercentenarian was Margaret Ann Neve (Guernsey, United Kingdom, 1792-1903). While some earlier claims exist, they lack sufficient documentation to verify.

Who is the oldest person of all time?

The oldest verified person in history is Jeanne Calment of France, who lived 122 years, 164 days (1875-1997). The oldest verified man is Jiroemon Kimura of Japan who lived 116 years, 54 days (1897-2013).

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