The World's Oldest Living People in 2026
All of the oldest living people in 2026 are women.
The world's oldest living people represent an extraordinary group of supercentenarians—individuals who have reached the age of 110 or beyond. Their lives span more than a century of history, encompassing world wars, technological revolutions, medical breakthroughs, and profound social change.
As of 2026, the ten oldest verified living people are all women, highlighting the well-documented trend that women generally outlive men. Their ages have been validated by organizations specializing in longevity research and record keeping.
At the top of the list is Ethel Caterham of the United Kingdom, born on 21 August 1909. She is recognized as the world's oldest verified living person and has lived through more than 116 years of remarkable history, making her one of the oldest people ever documented.
Second is Naomi Whitehead of the United States, born on 26 September 1910, followed by Lucia Laura Sangenito of Italy, born on 22 November 1910. Both women have witnessed dramatic changes over the course of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries while joining the rare ranks of verified supercentenarians.
The fourth oldest living person is Yolanda Beltrão de Azevedo of Brazil, born on 13 January 1911. She is followed by Shigeko Kagawa of Japan, born on 28 May 1911, and Beatriz Ferreira Duarte, also of Brazil, born on 21 June 1911.
These women exemplify the global nature of exceptional longevity, with several countries represented among the oldest living individuals.
Rounding out the upper portion of the list are Fuyo Kishimoto of Japan, born on 20 December 1911, Ilse Meingast, born on 14 March 1912, Madeleine Dellamonica of France, born on 23 July 1912, and Angelica Tiscornia, born on 22 August 1912. Each has surpassed 114 years of age, placing them among the oldest verified people alive in the world.
Although these individuals come from different countries and cultures, they share an extraordinary distinction: they have lived through over a century of human history.
Their lifetimes have witnessed the rise of automobiles and commercial aviation, the development of computers and the internet, advances in medicine, and significant political and cultural transformations.
Researchers continue to study supercentenarians to better understand the factors associated with exceptional longevity. While genetics appear to play an important role, healthy lifestyles, medical care, environmental conditions, and chance are also believed to contribute.
The lives of these remarkable women provide valuable insights into human aging while serving as living connections to more than a century of global history.