The oldest verified person in history lived to 122 years and 164 days. An Indonesian man claimed to be 147, but independent evidence was lacking. Scientists estimate the human lifespan limit at around 120 to 125 years. Behind record longevity are also stories involving red wine, tobacco and an unfortunate property deal.

(Staff: France & Indonesia / Science & Longevity)

The question of how old a human being can ultimately become has sparked lively scientific debate. There is no literal “ultimatum” here—the word means a final demand with a deadline and threats—but there may be biological limits that are difficult to exceed.

Jeanne Calment: the absolute record

The oldest verified person in history was Jeanne Calment, a French woman born in 1875 who died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. She lived in Arles, where Vincent van Gogh painted some of his best-known works. As a child, Calment met the artist because her father ran a shop selling paints and brushes, which Van Gogh often visited.

One striking detail: Calment reportedly drank a glass of red wine every evening and gave up smoking only at the age of 117. These habits seem at odds with conventional advice on longevity, but her case was exceptional.

The property deal that became a legend

Another remarkable story concerns the sale of her home. At about 80, Calment sold it under an arrangement allowing her to live there until her death, while the buyer paid her a monthly sum. Had she died at 85, it would have been a good deal for the buyer. In reality, he paid for more than 40 years before gaining possession of the apartment.

Mbah Gotho: 147 years, but no solid proof

Indonesian man Mbah Gotho was said to have died in 2017 aged 147. However, his civil records were issued long after his alleged birth, and Indonesian authorities could not independently verify the claim. Some details appeared to support his story: Gotho reportedly remembered the construction of a sugar factory in his village in 1880. He was a heavy smoker until the end of his life.

The Calment controversy: a theory rejected

Despite the checks, some have challenged Calment’s age. Russian mathematician Nikolai Zak and gerontologist Valeri Novosselov argued that her daughter had assumed her identity to avoid paying taxes. Neither travelled to France to conduct research. Researchers who later examined the original documents rejected the theory, which is regarded as unfounded by the scientific community.

What is the theoretical limit?

Many scientists estimate the maximum human lifespan at somewhere between 120 and 125 years. There is no absolute consensus, but Jeanne Calment’s record is considered close to that limit. Genetics, lifestyle, environment and access to medical care all influence longevity, but none can guarantee that the biological threshold will be exceeded.

Conclusion

Stories of people living to 150 or even 250 have circulated for centuries, but solid evidence is lacking. Jeanne Calment remains the benchmark, at 122 years. Whether humans will ever surpass this limit remains an open question for gerontology and biogerontology research.