Jeanne Calment, a French woman, made history by becoming the first person to live to the age of 122. The record of this super centenarian, who lived from 1875 to 1997, is still being studied by many experts today.
• Also read: Does human longevity have a biological limit?
• Also read: Here are four eating habits you should adopt if you want to live to be 100
According to CNBC, demographer Jean-Marie Robine would have met the lady before her death to understand the links between health and longevity.
“We have to keep in mind that Jeanne Calment’s longevity is largely based on luck,” advises the expert. His life is extraordinary.
Here are three factors that have contributed to its longevity.
1. She came from a wealthy background
Jeanne Calment grew up in a middle-class family in southern France. “She lived in a beautiful area,” explains Mr. Robine. Her social background allowed her to go to school until she was 16, which was not common for women at the time. She also received private lessons in cooking, art and dance until her marriage at the age of 20.
#OTD Jeanne Calment was born on February 21, 1875. She became the oldest confirmed person in human history, living 122 years and 164 days until she died on August 4, 1997. She lived under three republics. pic.twitter.com/ErVQXb5Ltp
— The French History Podcast 🇲🇫 (@FrenchHist) February 21, 2023
This situation allowed her to live a less stressful life since she “never worked,” says the demographer.
“She always had someone to help her around the house. She never had to cook or buy basic groceries,” he continues.
2. She started smoking at 112
In the 19th century it was very frowned upon for a woman to smoke. Within middle-class families, this standard was even stricter.
Jeanne Calment is said to have tried cigarettes shortly after her marriage, but she kicked the habit very quickly. “She didn’t like that,” the expert recalls.
However, the woman is said to have started smoking again at the age of 112 when she was living in a nursing home.
3. She had a great social life
Jeanne Calment had a lot of free time. “She had nothing to do other than visit France and take part in social activities,” says Mr. Rabine.
She spent a good part of her life meeting people and going to dance events. She was able to visit Paris many times with her family. “The Eiffel Tower was under construction at the time, says the expert. At the turn of the 19th to the 20th century she was able to discover the world.