Comments on: How long before somebody lives to 120?

By: Vince Williams

Vince Williams — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 20:55:37 +0000

It is undisputed that Jeanne Calment of France lived to 122. Her age at death in 1997 has been thoroughly documented. She remembered selling art supplies to Van Gogh.

According to Wikipedia:

“In 1965, at age 90, with no living heirs, Calment signed a deal, common in France, to sell her condominium apartment…to a lawyer, Francois Raffray. Raffray, then aged 47, agreed to pay a monthly sum until she died, an agreement sometimes called a “reverse mortgage.” At the time of the deal the value of the apartment was equal to ten years of payments. Unfortunately for Raffray, not only did she survive more than thirty years, but he died first… at the age of 77. His widow had to continue the payments.”

My favorite quote from her:

“Wine, I’m in love with that.”

By: Sterling Camden

Sterling Camden — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 16:36:22 +0000

I hope to make it to triple digits, but every time I mention growing old, my wife stares at my face and shudders.

By: TDavid

TDavid — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:34:16 +0000

Hi Chris - I’m confused why or what the Guiness Book would be coming out to confirm for this 116 year old lady?

From the article:

“Guinness World Records will have to make an official announcement from London,” he said. “For all practical purposes, the next oldest person is going to be presumed to be Elizabeth Bolden. She is 116, but she was born 11 months after Capovilla.”

Was the person you indicate lived to 120 not living at one time? Or is it a modern day record this lady set or what? Read the article and if you have a link to better clarify your point, please feel free to put it in your follow-up post.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 03:41:36 +0000

Minor Correction: Somebody already has made it past 120, they’re just not living anymore. It’s recorded in the Book of World Records. The person you’re referring to was the oldest confirmed LIVING person, not the oldest who has ever lived