The oldest centenarian on the planet is Jeanne Louise Kalman. By nationality - French. She lived 122 years and almost 6 months. She survived 2 world wars, the Russian revolution and the occupation of France by the Germans. Under her, the presidents of France changed 17 times. The Eiffel Tower was built during her lifetime. And Kalman was included in the Guinness Book 5 times. She was twice awarded the title of "The oldest living person on the planet" (at 113 and 116).
Birth and family of a centenarian
Jeanne Louise Calment, whose biography lasted more than a century, was born on February 21, 1875 in the city of Arles, in the south of France. Father Nicolas and mother Margaret at that time were 37 years old. The girl received the double name Jeanne-Louise in honor of her godparents. She was the third child in the family, her older brother and sister died as babies.
The Kalman family was considered quite we althy. Nicolas was a major shipowner, and Marguerite came fromprosperous family of millers. They lived on Rue Gambetta and had two servants. Later we moved to an apartment in the center. Jeanne graduated first from the local elementary school, then from the Benet boarding school. Sometimes, as a child, she worked part-time in the shops that her father ran.
Jeanne Kalman. Biography: tragedy in his personal life
At 21, Kalman married her second cousin Fernando. Despite being related by blood, they were allowed to marry. Fernando owned a prosperous business, and Zhanna hardly worked in her life. A couple of years after the wedding, their daughter Yvonne was born.
Jeanne was destined for a difficult fate. She paid for her longevity with bitter tears. First, at the age of 36, her daughter died of pneumonia. Then, 10 years later, her husband died from cherry dessert poisoning. Before the golden wedding, he had only 4 years to live.
Zhanna devoted herself entirely to her grandson. Over time, he married, but he never had children. It would seem impossible, but Jeanne Calment survived even her grandson, who died in a car accident. Immediately after that, the son-in-law and niece died. Gradually, she outlived all her relatives and friends and was left alone.
Great deal Kalman
Since Zhanna lost all her relatives, she had to sell her property on her own. She entered into a reverse mortgage contract at a law firm. The document assumed its life content. After Jeanne's death, the lawyer who paid herallowance according to the contract, was to receive her apartment as his own.
Because at that time she was already under 90, the deal seemed very profitable for the lawyer. Jeanne had to receive a certain amount for ten years. But due to the fact that she lived another 32 years, the lawyer had to pay her benefits three times longer. The lawyer with whom Kalman entered into an agreement died at the age of 77. And his widow had to pay maintenance to Jeanne until her death.
Lifestyle of a centenarian
Since childhood, Kalman rode a bicycle and stopped riding it only at the age of 100. And she became interested in fencing rather late - at the age of 85. Throughout her life, Jeanne Kalman (there is a photo in her youth in this article) has always been elegant, smiling, she was not seriously ill, although she started smoking from the age of 20. After her 100th birthday, her personal doctor insisted that she give up the addiction. But Louise sarcastically remarked that the old doctors advised her the same thing, but for some reason died before her.
The last doctor of Jeanne Calment died a year before her death. She still quit smoking, but only after 117 years, and only because she could not light cigarettes on her own (due to poor eyesight). Kalman is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the first woman to smoke for over a century.
Kalman's Addictions
Jeanne Kalment was a gourmet and loved delicious food, hot spices and spicy dishes. I always drank some wine with meals. She used meat in any form, whether stewed or fried. I really liked garlic and vegetables. Olive oil is added to almost every dish. I ate a chocolate bar every day.
Jeanne was immune to all life's hardships. Her protection from trouble was humor and positive thinking. She said about youth that it is a state of mind. Kalman was an optimist, self-sufficient person, led an active lifestyle.
Kalman's acquaintance with Van Gogh
Kalman saw Van Gogh for the first time at the age of 14 in her uncle's shop. The artist at that time was choosing tubes of paint. Passing by, Van Gogh accidentally pushed her, but did not think to apologize. Jeanne was outraged. Between the girl and the artist began a skirmish. After that, chance twice pushed them together in this shop, and each time hostility arose between them.
Jeanne's attitude to Van Gogh, even years later, has not changed at all. Although one day they were at the same table with a friend Kalman, and the artist showed himself to be a charming conversationalist, and those present spoke of him as a great and talented person.
At 114 years old, Jeanne Calment starred in the film "Vincent and I". In the film, she played the role of herself. She was recognized as the oldest actress, and Jeanne was again listed in the Guinness Book. But she spoke about Van Gogh even in her old age impartially, saying that the artist had a disgusting disposition and he constantly smelled of alcohol.
Jeanne Calment's longevity secrets
The secret to longevitymany consider olive oil, which she always used not only for food, but also for cosmetic purposes. When researching Kalman's longevity, her lifestyle and genetics were taken into account. Scientists suggest that longevity can be inherited. So many of her relatives lived for almost 100 years.
Jeanne has spent her entire life in Arles, in her familiar environment, which is also important for longevity. She did not use drugs and did not use manuals for prolonging youth. The long-lived Jeanne Kalman herself believed that the secret of youth lies in a strong he althy stomach, an active and mobile lifestyle, humor and laughter.
Last years of life
Kalman lived alone for a long time, independently managed the entire household. But at the age of 110, she nevertheless moved to a nursing home. The reason for this decision was the fire that Jeanne accidentally set in her apartment when she was cooking. In the nursing home, Kalman spent the rest of her life. After her death, this place was named after her. Kalman arranged everything in the nursing home except food. She constantly complained that the chefs didn't know how to cook and that all dishes tasted the same.
Kalman willingly talked to reporters after her 110th birthday. She herself admitted that she was waiting for this age limit to become famous. Until the age of 115, Jeanne Kalman (the photo of the centenarian is in this article) was in excellent physical shape, but a month before the next anniversary she broke her hip, falling down the stairs.
She had to undergo a very difficult operation. And Kalman was again listed in the Guinness Book. Now already as the oldest patient. She moved around in a wheelchair for a while, but soon began to walk on her own again, although it was not easy for her.
The 120th anniversary of the centenarian was widely covered by the press. A documentary was made about her life. And at the age of 121, Jeanne managed to record in the disc "Mistress of the Planet", where different musical styles were mixed. After finishing this work, she began to feel unwell. Doctors said it was overwork, which could hasten her death.
Despite the fact that before her death, Kalman had already seen, heard and moved poorly, until her last days she was in a clear mind and retained an excellent memory. She could recite poems that she had learned when she was a child. And she easily solved mathematical problems and examples.
Death did not frighten her, she treated her calmly. She even joked that she would die only from laughter. Jeanne Calment died of old age on August 4, 1997 - it happened at the age of 122 years and five months. Her longevity has been documented.
