What do you believe is the greatest age reached by a human being?

[CraigD]

Opinions vary widely on the question of the greatest age reached by a human being – that is, the elapsed time from an individual Homo Sapiens Sapiens’s birth to their last heartbeat. Although the accepted scientific answer is currently 122.45 years, by Jeanne Calment (1875-1997), many people accept claims of much greater ages.

What’s your opinion on the subject? Optionally, why do have this opinion?

The question asks what age you believe any human, deceased or still alive, has ever reached. It is not asking what age you believe humans may someday reach, the duration of more exotic definitions of life, such as cryogenic suspension or cloning from preserved DNA, the theoretical possibilities and limitations of maximum lifespan, not about non-human animals. It’s intended to measure beliefs concerning the maximum human lifespan. Although you are welcome to do so, it’s not necessary to cite a documented example of a specific individual supporting your belief.

[Tormod]

Cool poll.

I voted less than 120 years. I have heard about cases over that but I don't believe them (although I can't be sure, of course).

I simply don't think the body can sustain the strains of old age.

[modest]

Originally Posted by CraigD

Although the accepted scientific answer is currently 122.45 years, by Jeanne Calment (1875-1997), many people accept claims of much greater ages.

I agree with Calment and wikipedia. I think it has to be well-verified. If not then we might as well go with the unsubstantiated claim:

"Methuselah lived 969 years, and then he died."

~modest

[DougF]

I voted "Less then 120" anything more is a unsubstantiated claim.

[Turtle]

I went with the 121 to 130. We know with a good degree of certainty that 116 is possible, and allowing a +-5 years error of margin for unreported and mis-reported cases puts us over 120.

PS I did vote, but got an error message; the fix is in.

[goku]

over 500, of course

[goku]

i just had an interesting idea for a new poll but i don't know how to start one

[Moontanman]

Originally Posted by goku

over 500, of course

Oh yeah goku? Who was that?

[goku]

adam

[modest]

Originally Posted by goku

adam

Please see post number 3 and revise your biblically based answer. Adam was 930 when he died according to your good book and Methuselah was 969.

~modest