Twin studies have estimated that approximately 20-30% of the variation in human lifespan can be related to genetics, with the rest due to individual behaviors and environmental factors which can be modified. Kane Tanaka (1903–2022, 119 years, 107 days): the second oldest documented person in modern times and the oldest Japanese.Įvidence-based studies indicate that longevity is based on two major factors: genetics and lifestyle.Jiroemon Kimura (1897–2013, 116 years, 54 days): the oldest man in history whose age has been verified by modern documentation.Sarah Knauss (1880–1999, 119 years, 97 days): the third oldest documented person in modern times and the oldest American.This defines the modern human life span, which is set by the oldest documented individual who ever lived. Jeanne Calment (1875–1997, 122 years, 164 days): the oldest person in history whose age has been verified by modern documentation.Margaret Ann Neve, ( – 4 April 1903, 110 years, 346 days) the first validated female supercentenarian (on ).Geert Adriaans Boomgaard (1788–1899, 110 years, 135 days): first person to reach the age of 110 (on September 21, 1898) and whose age could be validated.Eilif Philipsen (1682–1785, 102 years, 333 days): first person to reach the age of 100 (on July 21, 1782) and whose age could be validated.The Gerontology Research Group validates current longevity records by modern standards, and maintains a list of supercentenarians many other unvalidated longevity claims exist. Long-lived individuals Elderly couple in Portugal Population longevities are increasing as life expectancies around the world grow: Developing countries: 32–80 years (e.g.Developed countries: 77–90 years (e.g.Below is a list of life expectancies in different types of countries: Significant factors in life expectancy include gender, genetics, access to health care, hygiene, diet and nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, and crime rates. Various factors contribute to an individual's longevity. Fiction, legend, and folklore have proposed or claimed life spans in the past or future vastly longer than those verified by modern standards, and longevity narratives and unverified longevity claims frequently speak of their existence in the present.Ī life annuity is a form of longevity insurance.įor a more comprehensive list, see List of countries by life expectancy. There are difficulties in authenticating the longest human life span, owing to inaccurate or incomplete birth statistics. The legendary fountain of youth appeared in the work of the Ancient Greek historian Herodotus. Longevity has been a topic not only for the scientific community but also for writers of travel, science fiction, and utopian novels. Longevity studies may involve putative methods to extend life. For example, a population's life expectancy at birth is the same as the average age at death for all people born in the same year (in the case of cohorts). Longevity may refer to especially long-lived members of a population, whereas life expectancy is defined statistically as the average number of years remaining at a given age. The square of the bubbles is proportional to countries population based on estimation of the UN. Open the original svg-image in a separate window and hover over a bubble to see more detailed information. The green dotted line corresponds to equal female and male life expectancy. Comparison of male and female life expectancy at birth for countries and territories as defined by WHO for 2019.

Life span