Yes, there are still people alive today who were born in the 1920s. As of 2024, only a few dozen verified individuals from that decade remain, and their numbers continue to decline rapidly due to extreme age.
How many people born in the 1920s are still alive?
Estimates suggest fewer than 100 people born between 1920 and 1929 are still living worldwide. The Gerontology Research Group (GRG), which tracks and verifies extreme longevity, lists only a handful of these individuals with fully confirmed birthdates. Most are women, consistent with the global trend that over 90% of supercentenarians are female.
The number has dropped sharply in recent years. In 2021, around 350 people born in the 1920s were still alive. By 2023, that number had fallen to under 50. Mortality at this age is extremely high, with roughly half of those over 110 passing away each year.
How is extreme age verified?
Verification is critical because age claims, especially from the early 20th century, can be inaccurate. The GRG requires at least three primary documents: a birth certificate or baptismal record, an early-life census or school record, and a later-life document like a marriage license or military record. These must align consistently to confirm identity and birthdate.
Incomplete or missing records—common in rural areas or countries with historical instability—make verification difficult. Some cultures also have traditions of inflating age, which adds to the challenge. Only those with solid, cross-referenced documentation are officially recognized.
Where do the oldest people live?
Japan has the highest number of centenarians per capita, followed by countries like France, Italy, and the United States. Recent supercentenarians have come from Spain, Japan, the U.S., and Brazil. These nations tend to have stable civil registration systems and strong healthcare, which helps in both longevity and verification.
However, many claimed supercentenarians from regions like Africa or South Asia cannot be confirmed due to lack of early-life records. This means the current list of verified individuals reflects record-keeping quality as much as actual longevity.
What contributes to living past 110?
Genetics play a major role. Studies show many centenarians carry gene variants linked to lower risks of Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancer. Having long-lived siblings increases the odds of reaching extreme old age, suggesting a strong hereditary component.
Lifestyle also matters. Populations in Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Nicoya, Costa Rica, known as Blue Zones, share traits like plant-heavy diets, daily physical activity, and strong social ties. These factors support long-term health, even if some supercentenarians had habits like smoking.
Medical advances helped too. People born in the 1920s benefited from the introduction of penicillin, vaccines, and improved sanitation, which reduced early-life mortality. These advantages compounded over time, contributing to longer lifespans.