Cracking the Code of Longevity: Lessons from the World’s Oldest Person

The story of the world’s oldest person is both unusual and unbelievable. She smoked cigarettes for 90 years, drank port wine, and ate up to one kg of chocolate a week. Nonetheless, she lived a fulfilling life and continues to hold the record as the oldest person ever.

It’s a frosty morning in Arles, France.

Inside a small centuries-old cottage, the candle’s glow cast warm shadows on the faces of gathered women. The air is heavy. From the fireplace comes a scent of burning wood and straw.

Outside, the world is quiet, muffled by the snow. The only sounds were the occasional rustle of the olive trees, their branches heavy with frost. It is as if nature itself is holding its breath, waiting for what is to come.

Amidst the silence, the cry of a newborn baby shatters the stillness.

It’s February 21st, 1875. No one knew the wonderful life awaiting this newborn, lasting as long as two regular lifetimes.

Personal Life

Jeanne Calment had a normal life growing up. Her father worked as a shipbuilder and she enjoyed painting and playing piano. At breakfast, she would either have coffee with milk or hot chocolate. She went to school, and at age 16 she got her ‘brevet classique’ diploma.

At the age of 21, she got married to Fernand Calment. Fernand was heir to a drapery business and was financially secure, which meant that Jeanne never had to work.

Jeanne led a leisurely lifestyle, engaging in hobbies such as fencing, cycling, tennis, swimming, rollerskating, playing the piano, and making music with friends. The couple also went hunting in the mountains during the summer.

Her husband, Fernand, died in 1942 at age 73 of cherry poisoning. This leaves Jeanne as a widow for 55 years.

In 1985, a little before her 110th birthday, she decided to move into a nursing home.

Jeanne's Health and Lifestyle

All her life, Jeanne took good care of her skin, applying olive oil and powder. She was a lifelong smoker and didn’t quit until she was 117 years old. She also drank red- and port wine. Chocolate was probably her favorite snack, as she ate up to one kg (2.2 lbs) per week.

On television she once stated “J’ai jamais été malade, jamais, jamais” which translates to “I have never been ill, never ever” But she also did a lot of exercising, and she even kept cycling up until her 100th birthday.

In the nursing home, she followed a highly ritualized daily routine.

She started the day with a long prayer, thanking God for being alive and for the beautiful day to come. Next, she would exercise in her armchair, mostly flexing and extending her arms and legs, while wearing her stereo headset. Nurses noted that she moved faster than other residents who were 30 years younger than her.

She made her own fruit salad with bananas and oranges, and she enjoyed having braised beef and even had dessert with every meal. After dinner, she would light up a cigarette, drink a little port wine, and then take a nap for two hours.

Visiting her neighbors, was also a part of her daily routine. She enjoyed telling them about the latest news she heard on the radio. At nightfall, she listened to music before smoking her last cigarette and went to bed.

Jeanne’s Death

On August 4th, 1997 at 10 am, Jeanne Louise Calment died. She was 122 years old. A month before her death, she had gone almost completely blind and deaf. Nonetheless, she didn’t die of sickness — she simply died of old age.

What Can We Learn About Longevity from Jeanne Calment, the Oldest Person Ever?

When we think about Jeanne’s long life, there were at least six important things that contributed to her longevity.

1. Stress Management

Jeanne lived a simple life and didn’t have to work. Even though very few people can relate to this, I think the lesson to be drawn from this is about stress management. In today’s world, stress is a public health issue, and very few do the things necessary to de-stress.

2. Pursuing Hobbies

Engaging in hobbies was one of the major focal points in Jeanne’s life. She didn’t waste her leisurely life scrolling through social media and binge-watching series. Instead, she spent the majority of her time doing the things she loved and was passionate about.

3. Staying Active

Many of Jeanne’s hobbies involved being active. She was fencing, playing tennis, swimming, rollerskating, and kept cycling until she was 100 years old. Her active lifestyle kept her bones, muscles, and heart strong. As a result, she moved faster than the residents who were 30 years younger than her.

4. Routines

Despite Jeanne had a lot of free time, she refused to be lazy. Even when she was 110 years old, moving to a nursery home, she followed specific routines. Her stringent daily plan gave her everyday life purpose and kept her sharp.

5. Gratefulness

Practicing gratitude was one of her daily routines. She prayed, thanking God for her life and the beautiful day to come. I think many people forget to be grateful for all the great things they already have in life. Instead, they are fully focused on what they want to have. Practicing gratitude daily is an effective tool for a better and happier life.

6. Socializing

Jeanne enjoyed the company of others. She made music with her friends, lived with her family, and made daily visits to her neighbors. Being social and proactive in the search for great relationships is important for a long and lively life.

Unusual Habits

Jeanne smoked for 90 years, drank port wine, and ate a lot of chocolate. This is not the usual recipe for longevity. But maybe it still was for Jeanne.

She didn’t smoke 40 cigarettes a day. She only smoked after meals and before bed. She enjoyed every cigarette. She was mindful when smoking, drinking, and eating chocolate. She truly enjoyed these things, which perhaps, in some unique way, made it a part of her healthy lifestyle.

Final thought

Jeanne probably had very good genes. But her lifestyle surely played a role in her long life. It’s not about one specific thing she did, but rather a combination of everything.

The same applies to everyone.

We can’t just focus on one element, like walking 10,000 steps a day, and expect a long and healthy life. It’s important to review all aspects of our health, including stress management, eating well, having good relationships, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining a positive outlook.

To achieve a long and happy life, we need to look at our health as a whole.

Let me know your thoughts!

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