While I was reading news stories yesterday, I stumbled across an interesting story about missing centenarians in Japan.
Youu can check it out here:
Almost 200 of Japan's centenarians missing
As I read it, my first thought was.........Uhhh, I'm guessing they're dead?
I mean, we're talking about missing people over 100 years old. I don't see any mystery here, except that Japan is faced with the very large task of keeping up with these centenarians. They are the elders of their community, the last of their respective generations.
After reading the article I was fascinated by the idea of such extreme longevity. In my family, most of the men don't live past 55-65. My grandfathers have been the exception, with one living until he was 69 and the other is now 73. I always figured if I could live to be about 75 or so, that would be impressive. Assuming I still have a mostly functional body at that time, I would say it's a good goal to strive for. Beyond that, I'm not sure I'm interested in living, but we'll see how I feel when it gets a little closer. I can remember when I wasn't sure about living to be an old man, in my 50s. Now, I laugh at the thought. 50 doesn't seem that old and it's definitely not as old as it used to be. Of course, it's also not as far away as it once was.
Anyhow, I was curious just how old humans can live to be. I'm sure no one knows for sure, but scientists are estimating that the human body, as it is, has the potential to live up to 120-130 years. I was surprised it wasn't more, but I think the key part of that determination was that it's based on the current human body.
There have been a couple of exceptions to that rule, but none absolutely documented. So, I'll cover them last.
You can read more about people who have lived the longest,
including references, here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldest_people
This is a picture of Jeanne Calment, from France, who is documented as the world's longest living person. While she has already passed away, in 1997, she holds the record for having spent the most time on this planet.
Here she is at 22 years old, in 1897:
You can read more about her story here:
Jeanne Calment, World's Elder, Dies at 122
Outside of these 10 well-document cases, there was at least a couple of other amazing stories, although both have had the legitimacy of their claims contested.
First, there was Habib Miyan, who lived in India until his death, in 2008, at the reported age of 138 years old.
It was speculated that he may have been only 130 years old at the time of his death, but even if that were the case it would be impressive, not to mention a record.
You can read more about his story here:
World's 'oldest man' dies in India
Finally, I give you the story of Shirali Muslimov, who lived in Aberbaijan, a mountainous region near the Iranian border. He died in 1973, reportedly at the age of 168.
He is featured in this video:
You can read more about his story here:
Azerbaijan's
Legendary Centenarian
I found each of these cases interesting, whether documented or not. It's amazing to think that each of these people lived as long as they did.
Just imagine all of the things they saw in their lifetime. If I were to live to be 126, I would see the beginning of the 22nd century. That's mind-boggling and if it's all the same, I think I'll pass. Still, for those who have been blessed, or cursed, depending on how you see it, my hat is off to you for enduring when others have long-given up on life.
In the interest of being fair, for those of you feeling a bit skeptical about the last two claims, here's some stories that discuss "longevity myths":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longevity_myths
http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Longevity_myths
http://longevity.about.com/od/longevity101/tp/legends.htm
http://www.enotes.com/topic/Longevity_myths
http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/longevity-myths/
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