Mbah Gotho: The Centenarian of Central Java
The quest to identify the longest-living human in history often leads to intriguing stories of remarkable longevity. Mbah Gotho, an Indonesian supercentenarian from Central Java, is known for his extraordinary claim of living to the age of 146.
Mbah Gotho, formally known as Sodimedjo, was born on December 31, 1870. His age is supported by official documents, and the Indonesian records office has verified his birth date, despite the country only beginning to record births in 1900. Officials have assured the BBC of the authenticity of his records, including documentation and interviews with him.
Biblical Records and Historical Claims
In comparison, the Bible records the longest lifespan of any human in its sacred texts. Methuselah, the son of Enoch and Lamech and grandfather of Noah, is said to have lived 969 years according to the Book of Genesis, a part of the Holy Bible.
Several claims of extreme longevity have surfaced throughout history. For instance, Zaro Aga, a Turkish-Kurdish man, asserted he was born between 1774 and 1777 and lived to be 157 or 160 years old. However, investigations suggest he was around 97 at his death.
Other notable claims include Nigerian James Olofintuyi, who alleged he was 171 years old, and Ethiopian Dhaqabo Ebba, who claimed 163 years. Neither of these claims surpassed the verified record of French supercentenarian Jeanne Calment, who lived to be 122.
The Mystery of Mbah Gotho
If verified, Mbah Gotho would surpass Calment’s record, making him the oldest person ever documented. Despite this, his age has not been independently confirmed, which leaves some ambiguity around his claim.
Mbah Gotho’s daily life involved listening to the radio, as his vision had deteriorated, preventing him from watching television. When asked about his secret to longevity, Gotho attributed it to “patience.”
Biblical and Scientific Perspectives
The Bible notes that humans once lived up to 800 years before their lifespan was reduced to 120 years. In contrast, scientific evidence from 30,000 years ago suggests that ancient humans typically lived no longer than 30 years.
While Mbah Gotho’s claim remains the subject of debate, his life story continues to captivate those interested in the mysteries of human longevity.