India, a land renowned for its rich culture, heritage, and diversity, has also long been home to inspiring stories of resilience and longevity. As one of the largest populations in the world, it is no surprise that India has some of the oldest living people who have defied biological norms and pushed the boundaries of human lifespan.
These remarkable individuals serve as living testaments to the benefits of simple living, traditional diets, strong social bonds, and an unyielding spirit. Let’s take a closer look at some of the oldest people in India who have cherished extraordinary lifetimes and inspired the younger generations in ways few can imagine.
List of the Oldest People in India
1. Shiv Charan Tiwari
Hailing from the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Shiv Charan Tiwari earned his place in the spotlight by claiming to be over 120 years old. A farmer by profession, Shiv Charan attributes his long life to his unwavering connection with nature, minimalistic living, and a diet rooted in traditional Indian cuisine.
His daily meals primarily consisted of home-grown produce, including lentils, fresh vegetables, and wheat chapatis. Tiwari often spoke of avoiding processed foods and embracing pure, local ingredients that nourished not just the body but also the soul. This simple lifestyle shielded him from many ailments and contributed to his remarkable vitality even into his advanced years.
Another cornerstone of his longevity was his consistent physical activity. As a farmer, Shiv Charan spent his days cultivating crops and staying active—an essential factor in maintaining good health well into his centenary years. Combined with a stress-free outlook on life, he offered a message to younger generations about staying close to one’s roots and embracing natural rhythms.
2. Sayyada Khatoon
Sayyada Khatoon, a proud resident of a small village in Bihar, claimed to be over 115 years old at the time of her passing. Her longevity was a testament to the power of strong familial love and unity. Sayyada spent her entire life surrounded by her family members, often expressing how their companionship kept her spirits high and her mind active.
Her diet primarily consisted of lentils, rice, seasonal fruits, and milk—a classic representation of the balanced meals prevalent in Indian households. She also stayed away from harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol, which helped her preserve her health over the years. Friends and family mentioned her preference for herbal teas and age-old remedies for dealing with minor ailments instead of relying heavily on modern-day pharmaceuticals.
Sayyada’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren often spoke of her inspiring zest for life. Even in her final years, she enjoyed conversing with them, sharing her experiences, and passing on the accumulated wisdom of her long life. She masterfully showed how emotional well-being and familial bonds are as crucial as physical health when it comes to longevity.
3. Narain Singh
Narain Singh, who lived in Himachal Pradesh and claimed to have crossed the 110-year mark, was celebrated for his unique lifestyle shaped by the rugged and serene Himalayan terrains. Living in the mountains exposed him to clean air, natural water sources, and a meditative environment, all known to play significant roles in extending lifespan.
Singh’s diet was simple yet nutrient-rich and often included locally grown grains like barley and maize, along with fresh fruits, milk, and honey. While occasional fasting was part of his routine, he also advocated eating in moderation, believing that overconsumption could burden the digestive system. His herbal remedies, sourced from rare Himalayan plants, were famous in the surrounding villages and contributed to his reputation as the “local healer.”
Moreover, Singh lived a life largely free from excessive stress. His love for spiritual practices, yoga, and long walks in the mountains kept him physically and mentally agile even in his late years. Narain Singh’s story offers an insightful connection between mindful living and achieving longevity in a fast-paced world.
4. Kamalathal
Kamalathal, famously known as the “Idli Grandma,” became an internet sensation after making headlines for her devotion to cooking traditional South Indian meals well into her 100s. A resident of Tamil Nadu, Kamalathal stayed active by running her humble idli (steamed rice cake) business daily and interacting with her customers.
Her daily routine included waking up early, preparing fresh meals, and embracing physical tasks, such as grinding rice manually using a stone mill. This level of physical engagement ensured her joints stayed flexible and her muscles strong. Kamalathal consistently emphasized the importance of staying connected to one’s community, especially in keeping the brain sharp and emotions uplifted.
Aside from idlis forming the centerpiece of her diet, Kamalathal’s meals were typically light and enriched with fermented foods such as yogurt and pickles, promoting healthy gut bacteria—a lesser-known factor linked to improved longevity. Her dedication to nurturing others while keeping herself physically and mentally productive made her an inspirational figure for many across India.
5. Fauja Singh
Born in Punjab, Fauja Singh stands out as not only one of India’s oldest people but also one of the oldest marathoners in the world. Known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” Singh began his professional running career after the age of 80 and went on to break numerous records in the senior citizen categories.
Attributing his long life largely to his vegetarian diet, Singh’s meals consisted of fruits, vegetables, lentils, and whole wheat. He refrained from alcohol and smoking, demonstrating how discipline in dietary habits plays a crucial role in promoting healthy aging. His regular running practice kept his heart strong and his stamina unparalleled—setting him apart as a beacon of physical fitness among centenarians.
Even beyond the physical aspect, Singh’s incredible optimism and determination contributed heavily to his success. He often spoke about keeping a positive attitude, managing stress effectively, and finding purpose in life regardless of age. Fauja Singh’s story continues to motivate countless people across the world to embrace fitness and chase their dreams, no matter their stage of life.
6. Meeran Bhai
Meeran Bhai, a resident of Rajasthan, was believed to have lived over 110 years, surviving through centuries of change while remaining deeply rooted in her traditions. Her longevity is attributed to her nutritionally rich but frugal lifestyle, which exemplifies the saying, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Her diet mainly included bajra (pearl millet), jowar (sorghum), seasonal vegetables, and clarified butter (ghee), all prepared in accordance with age-old culinary practices. Meeran also stayed physically active, performing household chores, tending to cattle, and participating in local community activities.
What made Meeran truly unique, however, was her spiritual outlook on life. She dedicated time daily to meditating and chanting traditional hymns—a practice that not only kept her mind calm but also provided her a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Her story underscores the delicate balance between physical, nutritional, and emotional harmony when it comes to achieving long-lasting health.
7. Keshav Singh
Living in the pristine village of Uttarakhand, Keshav Singh claimed to have crossed the age of 112. Fondly referred to as “Nature’s Child” by locals, Singh exemplified how living in harmony with the environment could significantly benefit long-term health.
Keshav relied on nature’s bounty for food and medicine. His diet predominantly consisted of fresh fruits, organic vegetables, and pulses, often cooked in mustard oil. He also consumed herbal teas and medicinal plants when faced with minor health issues, avoiding dependency on synthetic medications and maintaining simplicity as the guiding principle of his health practices.
Being surrounded by forests and farms, Singh cherished clean living conditions and engaged in outdoor activities daily. He often emphasized the importance of maintaining a close relationship with nature through gardening, farming, and spending time in open spaces—habits that sustained his physical and mental well-being even in his last years. Singh’s story stands as a reminder of how returning to nature can spark monumental results for achieving a long and fulfilling life.
Conclusion
India’s oldest individuals represent far more than just exceptional lifespans—they are living archives of culture, tradition, and wisdom. From their dietary habits and simple lifestyles to their emphasis on physical activity and mental well-being, each of them offers invaluable lessons for modern society. Their stories remind us to treasure the essence of simple living, cherish relationships, and stay connected to nature for a healthier, happier, and longer life.
As we continue to marvel at India’s hallmark of longevity, these remarkable centenarians will remain an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.