Longevity Jeanne Kalman and the secret of her longevity

The oldest survivor on the whole planet is Jeanne Louise Kalman. By nationality - Frenchwoman. She lived 122 years and almost 6 months. Survived 2 world wars, the Russian revolution and the occupation of France by the Germans. With her, the presidents of France changed 17 times. The Eiffel Tower was built during her lifetime. And in the Guinness Book, Kalman was introduced five times. She was twice awarded the title "The oldest living person on the planet" (at 113 and 116 years old).

The birth and family of a long-liver

Jeanne Louise Kalman, 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 Margarita at that time was 37 years old. The double name Jeanne-Louise the girl received in honor of her godparents. She was a third child in the family, her older brother and sister died as babies.

The Kalman family was considered quite wealthy. Nicholas was a large shipowner, and Marguerite came from a wealthy family of millers. They lived on Gambetta Street, they had two servants. Later moved to an apartment in the center. Jeanne finished first a local elementary school, then a Benet boarding school. Sometimes, as a child, she worked part-time in the shops that her father kept.

Jeanne Kalman. Biography: tragedy in his personal life

At age 21, Kalman married her second cousin Fernando. Despite their blood relationship, they were allowed to marry. Fernando owned a prosperous business, and Jeanne almost did not work for her life. A couple of years after the wedding they had a daughter Yvonne.

Jeanne was destined for a difficult fate. For her longevity, she paid with bitter tears. First, at the age of 36, her daughter died of pneumonia. Then, in 10 years, the husband died from poisoning with cherry dessert. Until the golden wedding, he could live only 4 years.

Jeanne devoted herself completely to her grandson. Over time, he married, but he had no children. It would seem impossible, but Zhanna Kalman survived even a grandson who died in a car accident. Immediately after that, the son-in-law and niece died. Gradually, she survived all her family and loved ones and was left alone.

Profitable deal Kalman

Since Zhanna lost all her relatives, she had to sell her own property. She signed a reverse mortgage contract at the law firm. The document assumed her lifelong content. After Jeanne's death, a lawyer who paid her benefits according to the contract had to get her apartment into her property.

Since at that time it was already under 90, the deal seemed very beneficial for the lawyer. Jeanne was to receive a certain amount for ten years. But due to the fact that she lived for another 32 years, the lawyer had to pay her allowance three times longer. The lawyer with whom Kalman concluded the contract, died at 77 years old. And his widow had to pay Jeanne maintenance before her death.

Longevity lifestyle

Since childhood, Kalman cycled and stopped riding it only at the age of 100. And fencing was carried away rather late - in 85 years. For all her life, Zhanna Kalman (photo in his youth is in this article) has always been elegant, smiling, seriously ill with nothing, although from the age of 20 began to smoke. After 100 years of jubilee, her personal doctor insisted that she give up her addiction. But Louise sarcastically noticed that the old doctors advised her the same, but for some reason died before her.

The last doctor Jeanne Kalman died a year before her death. She still quit smoking, but only after 117 years, and only because she could not light her own cigarettes (because of poor eyesight). Kalman is listed in the Guinness Book as the first woman to smoke for more than a century.

The addictions of Kalman

Jeanne Kalman was a gourmet and loved delicious food, spicy condiments and spicy dishes. Always ate a little wine while eating. Meat she used in any form, whether stew or fried. I liked garlic and vegetables very much. Olive oil added to almost every dish. Every day I ate a chocolate bar.

Jeanne was immune to all life's troubles. Humor and positive thinking have become her protection from troubles. About youth, she said that this state of mind. Kalman was an optimist, a self-sufficient person, led an active lifestyle.

Acquaintance of Kalman with Van Gogh

The first time Kalman saw Van Gogh at the age of 14 in the shop of her uncle. The artist at this time chose tubes with paint. Passing by, Van Gogh accidentally pushed her, but did not think to apologize. Jeanne was indignant. Between the girl and the artist began a fight. After that, the case was twice confronted by them in this shop, and each time there was dislike between them.

The attitude of Jeanne to Van Gogh even after years did not change at all. Although one day they were at the same table with a friend of Kalman, and the artist showed himself to be an adorable interlocutor, and those present spoke of him as a great and talented person.

In 114 years, Jeanne Kalman starred in the movie "Vincent and I". In the picture she played the role of herself. She was recognized as the oldest actress, and Jeanne was again placed in the Guinness Book. But about Van Gogh responded and in his old age impartially, saying that the artist had a disgusting nature and from him constantly smelled badly of alcohol.

Secrets of the longevity of Jeanne Kalman

The secret of longevity is considered by many to be olive oil, which she always used not only for food, but also for cosmetic purposes. In the study of Kalman longevity, her way of life and genetics were taken into account. Scientists suggest that longevity can be inherited. Very many of her relatives lived almost 100 years.

Jeanne spent her whole life in Arles, in her usual environment, which is also important for longevity. She did not use medicines and did not use the guidelines on the extension of youth. The very long-livers Zhanna Kalman believed that the secret of youth lies in a strong healthy stomach, active and mobile way of life, humor and laughter.

last years of life

Kalman for a long time lived alone, she led the whole economy on her own. But at 110 years old she moved to a nursing home. The reason for this decision was a fire, which Jeanne accidentally arranged in her apartment when she cooked food. In the nursing home, Kalman spent the rest of her life. After her death, this institution was named in her honor. Kalman arranged everything in the nursing home, except food. She constantly complained that cooks do not know how to cook, and all dishes are the same in taste.

Kalman willingly communicated with journalists after her jubilee, when she turned 110 years old. She herself admitted that she was waiting for this age line to become famous. Up to 115 years old Zhanna Kalman (the photo of a long-liver is in this article) was in excellent physical shape, but a month before the next anniversary she broke her hip, falling from the stairs.

She had to endure a very complicated operation. And Kalman was again brought to the Guinness Book. Now as the oldest patient. For some time she moved around on a wheelchair, but soon began to walk alone again, although it was not easy for her.

The 120th anniversary of the long-liver was widely covered by the press. About her life was made a documentary. And in 121 year Jeanne had time to make an appointment in the disk "The mistress of the planet", where different musical styles were mixed. After the end of this work, she began to feel unwell. Doctors claimed that this is fatigue, which can bring her death.

Despite the fact that before the departure of life Kalman had already seen badly, heard and moved, she until the last days was in a clear mind and kept an excellent memory. She could tell poems that she taught when she was still a child. And easily solved mathematical problems and examples.

Her death did not frighten her, she treated her calmly. She even joked that she would die only with laughter. Zhanna Kalman died of old age on August 4, 1997 - it happened at the age of 122 years and five months. Her longevity was documented.