Mystery of World's Oldest Human | The Secret of Living 120+ years
Hello, dear readers!
In this article, we will be talking about the world's longest-living woman. I hope you will enjoy this article so let's begin
In the year 1875, in the quaint town of Arles, France, a girl by the name of Jeanne Louise Calment came into the world. It was a time when the concepts of automobiles and airplanes were still in the realm of imagination. Travel was often undertaken in horse-drawn carriages, and illumination in homes came from the soft glow of candles. Little did anyone on Earth suspect that this girl would go on to etch her name in history, living an exceptionally long life that would shatter all known records.
In the year 1889, Louise was merely 14 years old when the iconic Eiffel Tower graced the city of Paris. By 1896, at the age of 21, Louise tied the knot while Mahatma Gandhi embarked on his journey in South Africa, a mere six years her senior. The year 1914 witnessed the eruption of World War I when Louise was a sprightly 39-year-old, living a contented married life and nurturing her daughter. Then, in 1934, amidst the looming shadow of Hitler's ascendancy in Germany, a tragic misfortune struck Louise's life; her daughter succumbed to a lung infection when she was 59, an age when most women have already embraced grandmotherhood. However, Louise had no inkling that her life was not even halfway spent.
The year 1942 bore witness to World War II raging in Europe, where millions lost their lives, and countless were separated from their families. Similarly, Louise faced her separation when, at the age of 64, she lost her husband. In 1947, as Prime Minister Nehru hoisted the flag of independent India, Louise was 72, silently observing the pages of history turning. Throughout her life, she saw horses giving way to automobiles and candles yielding to electricity. In 1969, as she celebrated her 94th birthday, humankind took its monumental leap onto the moon, a giant leap for mankind indeed.
In 1985, Rajiv Gandhi secured a historic victory in the Indian elections, heralding the onset of India's IT revolution. Louise, at 110 years old, continued to lead a contented life in her abode, but soon after, she moved to a nursing home. In 1988, the world finally turned its gaze towards Louise as she was thrust into the limelight, making headlines as the oldest living human. Finally, in 1997, at the age of 122, Louise passed away, a time when the age of computers and the internet was well underway.
Jeanne Louise Calment had shattered all boundaries of human imagination, leaving behind an unparalleled record, unbroken to this day.
Now, what led to this remarkable fear. Let's explore this in this article.
The first and foremost aspect to consider is luck. It's undeniable that living for 122 years requires an ample dose of good fortune. However, the real question lies in the balance between luck and the lifestyle choices one makes.
Between 1870 and 1900, Denmark conducted a comprehensive study on twins, analyzing over 2,800 pairs to investigate the factors influencing longevity. This renowned Danish twin study concluded that genetics dictate a mere 20% of an average human's life while lifestyle and environment play an overwhelming 80% role in shaping one's longevity. This means that your dietary choices, exercise regimen, and overall lifestyle have a profound impact on the duration of your life.
let's explore the healthy lifestyle choices that can pave the way for a long, fulfilling life. It's insightful to reverse-engineer this by studying the lifestyles of individuals already living notably long lives.
In the early 2000s, explorer and author Dan Buettner collaborated with anthropologists, historians, dietitians, and geneticists to explore regions of the world where people enjoy exceptional longevity. They analyzed population data to identify areas with the highest concentration of centenarians (those aged 100 and above).
These regions came to be known as "Blue Zones."
The five Blue Zones identified were:
- Sardinia, Italy
- Okinawa, Japan
- Loma Linda, California (Seventh-day Adventist community)
- Ikaria, Greece
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
The common thread among these centenarians was their adherence to nine key lifestyle habits, known as the "Power 9." Let's delve into these habits one by one:
- Move Naturally: These centenarians didn't rely on strenuous exercise routines but integrated natural movements into their daily lives. Walking, gardening, and physical labor were common, and they didn't lead sedentary lives. The lesson here is to include natural movements as much as possible in your daily routine, like walking, cycling, or using a standing desk.
- Purpose: These individuals maintained a strong sense of purpose throughout their lives. In Okinawa, they follow "Ikigai," which means "a reason for being." Finding a purpose, whether through work, hobbies, or volunteer activities, can add years to your life.
- Downshift: Chronic stress can be detrimental to health, leading to various illnesses. Blue Zone residents incorporated daily practices to manage stress. Whether through prayer, afternoon naps, or social gatherings, they found ways to reduce stress levels. Incorporating stress-reduction practices into your life is essential.
- 80% Rule: The concept of "Hara Hachi Bu" in Okinawa, which means eating until you're 80% full, was common. Eating smaller portions, avoiding overeating, and practicing intermittent fasting can promote a longer, healthier life.
- Plant Slant: The centenarians in Blue Zones followed predominantly plant-based diets, rich in vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. A diet with a focus on plant-based foods is linked to reduced risk of various diseases and longevity.
- Wine@5: In some Blue Zones, moderate alcohol consumption was observed, particularly red wine. While this habit was once believed to have health benefits, current research suggests that minimal or no alcohol consumption is the healthiest option.
- Belong: Being part of a community, whether religious or social, provides a sense of belonging and support. Faith-based services and community involvement were common. Connecting with a community can add years to your life.
- Loved Ones First: Prioritizing family and maintaining strong family bonds was a key aspect of Blue Zone lifestyles. Commitment to one life partner and investing time in children were priorities.
- Right Tribe: Centenarians surrounded themselves with a social circle that supported healthy behaviors. The company you keep can influence your habits, so choosing friends who promote healthy choices is crucial.
While it might be challenging to replicate the exact lifestyle of these Blue Zone residents, the principles they followed can be adapted to modern life. Embracing these habits can increase your chances of living a longer and healthier life.
So, as you consider your journey, keep in mind the wisdom and lessons from the Blue Zones. Although breaking the record for the world's oldest human may remain a rarity, following these principles can lead to a long and fulfilling life.