How Old is the Oldest Person in the World?

Throughout history, humans have been fascinated by the concept of longevity. From ancient myths about the Fountain of Youth to modern-day scientific research on aging, people have always sought to understand how to live longer, healthier lives. One of the most intriguing questions in this area is: How old is the oldest person in the world?

As of 2025, the title of the oldest living person has shifted hands several times, with various individuals claiming to have reached extraordinary ages. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the oldest person in the world today, explore the science behind extreme longevity, and reflect on what it means to live beyond the average lifespan.

The Oldest Person in the World: Maria Branyas Morera

As of 2025, the title of the oldest living person in the world is held by Maria Branyas Morera, a Spanish supercentenarian. Maria was born on March 4, 1907, making her 118 years old as of 2025.

Maria Branyas Morera’s longevity has garnered international attention, and her story is one of remarkable resilience. She has lived through historical events such as both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish flu, and numerous other global changes. Despite the challenges of living in such a tumultuous century, she remains in good health, defying many of the typical signs of aging.

Maria Branyas was born in the town of San Sebastián, in the Basque Country of Spain, and has spent most of her life in Catalonia, where she resides today. She credits her long life to a mix of good genes, a peaceful lifestyle, and a positive outlook on life.

Her longevity was officially recognized by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), an organization that verifies the ages of people who claim to be over 110 years old (known as supercentenarians). Maria Branyas is often described as the perfect example of aging well.

Maria Branyas Morera’s Life and Longevity

Maria Branyas Morera’s life is a living testament to longevity. Here are some key points about her remarkable journey:

• Birthdate: March 4, 1907
• Age: 118 years old (as of January 2025)
• Place of Birth: San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain
• Resides: Catalonia, Spain
• Family: Maria Branyas had children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She has outlived most of her close family members.

Maria Branyas attributes her longevity to a combination of factors, including a healthy and active lifestyle, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends. Like many supercentenarians, she also credits a positive mindset and the ability to stay mentally engaged as crucial elements of her long life.

While Maria Branyas Morera holds the title of the oldest living person today, there are many other individuals who have reached extraordinary ages, and some people have even claimed to be older. However, Branyas has officially been recognized as the oldest living person by organizations dedicated to verifying ages.

The Quest for Longevity: Factors That Influence Extreme Age

Reaching an age like 118 years old is incredibly rare, and there are several factors that contribute to extreme longevity. While genetics play a role, scientists believe that a combination of lifestyle, environment, and chance contribute to an individual’s ability to live well beyond the average lifespan.

1. Genetics

Genetics undoubtedly plays a large role in longevity. Many of the oldest people in the world come from families with long-lived members. Some researchers believe that certain genetic mutations may protect against age-related diseases and help people live longer.

2. Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is often cited by supercentenarians as a key factor in their long lives. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive drinking can have a significant impact on life expectancy. Maria Branyas, for example, has always maintained a relatively active lifestyle, walking and engaging in social activities.

3. Positive Social Connections

Strong relationships with family and friends have been shown to contribute to longevity. Many long-living individuals, including Maria Branyas, have close-knit families and strong social networks that help them stay emotionally fulfilled.

4. Mental Stimulation

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, puzzles, or simply having meaningful conversations, is also thought to be beneficial for long-term brain health. Supercentenarians often maintain mental clarity well into their 100s, which contributes to their ability to live long and healthy lives.

5. Environmental Factors

Some regions of the world, known as Blue Zones, are famous for having an unusually high number of centenarians (people over 100 years old). These areas include places like Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, and Nicoya in Costa Rica. The environmental conditions in these areas, including the diet, lifestyle, and culture, contribute to the longevity of their populations.

The Record of the Oldest Person Ever

While Maria Branyas Morera is the oldest living person today, she is still far from the record for the oldest person ever verified. That record belongs to Jeanne Calment, a French woman who lived to the age of 122 years and 164 days. Jeanne Calment was born on February 21, 1875, and passed away on August 4, 1997.

Jeanne Calment’s extraordinary lifespan has yet to be surpassed, and she remains the gold standard in longevity. Her case has been thoroughly verified by gerontologists, and her longevity was considered an extraordinary anomaly.

The Fascination with Extreme Longevity

Human interest in extreme longevity has only grown in recent years. With advancements in medical science, biotechnology, and nutrition, people are living longer lives than ever before. However, living to 100 or beyond remains rare, and even more extraordinary is the ability to reach ages like 110, 115, or even 120.

The quest for longevity has led scientists to study the genetics of long-lived individuals and examine the ways in which lifestyle choices and environmental factors contribute to aging. Researchers continue to explore how we can slow down the aging process and extend both lifespan and healthspan (the period of life spent in good health).

Conclusion: How Old Is the Oldest Person in the World?

As of 2025, the oldest living person in the world is Maria Branyas Morera, who is 118 years old. Born on March 4, 1907, Maria has defied the odds and continues to live a remarkable life. While Maria Branyas holds the title today, the record for the oldest verified person ever is still held by Jeanne Calment, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old.

Extreme longevity is a fascinating subject, and the science of aging is an area of intense research. Whether through genetics, lifestyle, or environmental factors, the quest to understand what makes some people live to extraordinary ages continues to captivate us.

As we move into the future, we may see more breakthroughs in our understanding of aging, leading to healthier and longer lives for many people. The stories of individuals like Maria Branyas Morera remind us that while life is fleeting, some humans have figured out the secret to living well beyond the average lifespan.

Oldest Person Milestones at a Glance:

• Oldest Living Person (as of 2025): Maria Branyas Morera – 118 years old
• Oldest Verified Person Ever: Jeanne Calment – 122 years and 164 days old
• Age of Maria Branyas Morera (as of 2025): 118 years old