About Jeanne Louise Calment
Jeanne Louise Calment, a French supercentenarian, holds the remarkable distinction of being the oldest verified human in history. She lived a truly extraordinary life, with a documented lifespan of 122 years and 164 days. Her exceptional longevity not only captured the media’s attention but also became a subject of extensive medical studies to understand the secrets of her health and lifestyle. Jeanne Calment remains the only person ever verified to have reached the age of 120.
Jeanne Louise Calment Born on February 21, 1875, in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence, France, Jeanne Calment came from a family known for their above-average lifespans. Her older brother, François, lived to the age of 97, her father, Nicolas, reached 93, and her mother, Marguerite Gilles, lived to 86. Jeanne’s early years were typical; she attended school, enjoyed simple breakfasts, and honed her piano skills.
At the age of 21,Jeanne Louise Calment Jeanne married her double second cousin, Fernand Nicolas Calment, who hailed from a prosperous drapery business in Arles. The couple led a comfortable life, engaging in various hobbies such as fencing, cycling, tennis, and music. They even ventured into the mountains for summer mountaineering trips. Their union brought them a daughter, Yvonne Marie Nicolle Calment, in 1898.
Tragedy struck when Yvonne passed away on her 36th birthday in 1934, leaving Jeanne to raise her grandson, Frédéric. World War II had little impact on her life, and she harbored no ill feelings towards German soldiers who briefly occupied her home. In 1942, Fernand, her husband, passed away at the age of 73, reportedly due to cherry poisoning. Over the years, Jeanne continued to live in the same apartment, alongside her son-in-law and grandson.
In 1965, at the age of 90 and with no surviving heirs, Jeanne signed a life estate contract for her apartment, receiving monthly payments until her death. She moved to a nursing home in 1985 at the age of 110, having lived independently until then. A documentary film about her life, titled “Beyond 120 Years with Jeanne Calment,” was released in 1995.
Jeanne Calment’s fame as the oldest living person grew steadily. She claimed to have met Vincent van Gogh during his stay in Arles, which garnered significant attention during the centennial of his visit. Guinness World Records recognized her as the world’s oldest living person, a title she briefly lost in 1990 but regained after a disputed claim. Ultimately, she was acknowledged as the oldest person ever in 1995, with her age backed by an impressive array of documentary evidence.
Throughout her life, Jeanne maintained good health, claiming never to have been seriously ill. She followed a simple daily routine that included exercises, a light breakfast, and a regular beauty regimen. Her diet featured chocolate, and she even smoked until the age of 117. Despite some minor injuries, she remained active, cycling until her 100th birthday.
In 1997, Jeanne Calment passed away at the age of 122, her exact cause of death unspecified. She left a remarkable legacy, not only as the world’s oldest person but also as a testament to the potential for extraordinary longevity. Her story remains a fascinating glimpse into the secrets of a long and fulfilling life.