A person who has reached the age of 120 years is incredibly rare. With average life expectancies ranging between 70-80 years in most developed nations, living six decades past the norm is an astonishing feat. Those who make it to such an advanced age have witnessed a century of human history and experienced life in three different centuries. They’ve seen the innovation of electricity, cars, airplanes, and computers, survived two world wars and countless other global events. Reaching 120 years of age puts a person in truly rarefied company. So what do we call someone who has achieved this remarkable longevity? Let’s explore the possibilities and settle on the best terms for a 120 year old.
Centenarian
The most general term used for a person who has reached 100 years of age is a centenarian. This derives from the Latin word for 100, “centum.” So literally, a centenarian is someone who is 100 years old. This term can be used for anyone between the ages of 100 to 109. While a 120 year old is certainly a centenarian in the sense that they have surpassed the 100 year mark, the term doesn’t fully capture just how much longer they have lived beyond that milestone. Calling a 120 year old a mere “centenarian” undersells their advanced age.
Supercentenarian
A more exclusive term for the oldest living people is “supercentenarian.” This refers to someone 110 years of age or older. The word “super” in this case means above or beyond. So a supercentenarian has gone well above and beyond the centenarian mark of 100 years. This term fits much better for a 120 year old, as it distinguishes them from the more common centenarians. Only about 300 supercentenarians are known to be living worldwide at any given time, so it denotes an extremely rare age group. But even supercentenarian doesn’t quite capture just how old a 120 year old is.
Longevity Record Holder
At 120 years old, a person has exceeded the longest confirmed lifespan of any human in documented history. The oldest person ever verified was French woman Jeanne Calment, who died at the age of 122 years and 164 days. So a 120 year old would be approaching Ms. Calment’s longevity record. That puts them in historic territory for the human species. Calling someone a “longevity record holder” or “one of the oldest documented humans” emphasizes just how near they are to breaking the all-time mark. This description puts their age into proper perspective.
Names Based on Meaning
Other options are to use descriptive names that reflect the meaning and significance behind such an advanced age. Here are some possibilities:
Elder of Elders
This name depicts their status as the oldest living member of their entire generation, with an extended lifetime beyond all peers.
Century Continuous
The adjective “century” paired with “continuous” indicates they have lived steadily across the span of 100 years.
Century Crosser
Similarly, “century crosser” conveys that they have crossed the threshold into a second century of life.
Century Club Member
This plays on the idea of an exclusive “club” for people who have lived a full 100 years. A 120 year old has been a member for two straight decades.
Decicentenarian
Using the numerical prefix for 10, “deci,” this term literally means someone who is 110 years old. But it can be applied to a 120 year old to denote they have lived at least that long.
| Age | Term |
|---|---|
| 100-109 years | Centenarian |
| 110-119 years | Supercentenarian |
| 120+ years | Longevity record holder |
Nicknames Based on Pop Culture
Less formal but more playful nicknames can also be created by drawing inspiration from movies, books, and other pop culture works featuring extremely long-lived characters:
Old Man Methuselah
Methuselah is a biblical figure said to have lived 969 years, so “Old Man Methuselah” likens a 120 year old to this ancient legend.
The Benjamin Button
Referencing the F. Scott Fitzgerald character who aged in reverse, this conveys their incredible retention of youth.
A Tolkien Dwarf
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth books, dwarves were known to live until around 250 years old. This nickname compares a 120 year old’s longevity to a Tolkien dwarf.
The Gandalf
Gandalf the wizard of Lord of the Rings fame lived through thousands of years. Calling a 120 year old “The Gandalf” humorously implies they have similar mystical longevity.
| Pop Culture Reference | Nickname |
|---|---|
| Biblical figure Methuselah | Old Man Methuselah |
| Character Benjamin Button | The Benjamin Button |
| Tolkien dwarves | A Tolkien Dwarf |
| Gandalf the wizard | The Gandalf |
Honorifics That Denote Respect
Some honorific titles convey respect for extreme old age while also denoting seniority and wisdom gained over an exceptionally long lifetime:
Venerable Elder
This profoundly respectful address recognizes their elder status and the veneration it deserves.
Eminent Elder
Similar to venerable elder, this confers eminence due to advanced age and life experience.
Esteemed Elder
Esteemed elder is another variation that shows high regard for their age and seniority.
Sage
Sage implies deep wisdom and insight that comes with old age. A 120 year old’s knowledge makes them deserving of this honorable address.
Wise One
This simple but meaningful name calls attention to the wisdom a 120 year old has accrued over such a long life.
| Honorific | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Venerable Elder | Profoundly respected due to age |
| Eminent Elder | Eminence through advanced age |
| Esteemed Elder | High regard for age/seniority |
| Sage | Wisdom from old age |
| Wise One | Wisdom accrued through long life |
Superlative Descriptions
Some descriptive superlatives that highlight the extreme rarity and impressiveness of reaching 120 years of age:
Most Elderly
Emphasizes that they are the most advanced in years compared to all others.
Most Senior
Similarly highlights they are the most senior in age and experience.
Foremost in Longevity
Indicates they are foremost among all people in terms of lifespan and duration on earth.
Preeminent in Years
Conveys preeminence and precedence in total number of years lived.
First in Age
Simply states they are first and foremost when ranked by age.
| Superlative | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Most Elderly | The most advanced in age |
| Most Senior | Most senior in years |
| Foremost in Longevity | Preeminent in lifespan |
| Preeminent in Years | First in number of years lived |
| First in Age | Oldest when ranked by age |
Synonyms for Old That Connote Respect
Some synonyms for “old” also show respect for an elder’s age:
Aged
This adjective describes someone who is very old without negative connotations.
Elderly
Similar to aged, this term depicts advanced age in a respectful manner.
Ancient
Ancient conveys not just being old but being of impressive antiquity.
Vintage
Vintage implies aged like a fine wine, with value gained over time.
Time-Honored
This term honors the vast amount of time lived.
| Synonym for Old | Connotation |
|---|---|
| Aged | Very old in a respectful way |
| Elderly | Advanced age with respect |
| Ancient | Impressively old |
| Vintage | Aged well like wine |
| Time-honored | Honoring long time lived |
Conclusion
Reaching the remarkable age of 120 years puts a person into truly exclusive company. Such an astounding long-lived lifespan deserves a fitting label that captures both the rarity and respect warranted. While no single term fully encompasses the incredible extent of time lived, names like “supercentenarian,” “venerable elder,” “century crosser,” or “foremost in longevity” come closest to recognizing this special longevity achievement. Calling someone “old” fails to convey the right nuance – 120 years is so much more than just old. It is an age reached by only a handful in all of humanity, deserving of the highest honor and esteem.