Jeanne Calment lived to 122 despite smoking, wine and chocolate

Jeanne Calment, the French woman who lived 122 years and 164 days, holds the record for the longest confirmed human lifespan in history.

Born in 1875 and dying in 1997, Calment lived through two World Wars and witnessed the rise of the automobile, the airplane and television.

What continues to fascinate people are her unusual habits. She began smoking at 21 and did not quit until she was 117. She also enjoyed a glass of Port wine after meals and consumed nearly a kilogram of chocolate each week.

Calment also used olive oil in her diet and as part of her skincare routine, and she rode a bicycle until she was 100.

Experts agree that these habits should not be viewed as the secret to her longevity. Rather, her extraordinary lifespan is considered an exceptional case, with genetics likely playing an important role.

Her life, however, continues to challenge conventional ideas about aging and fascinate people around the world.