Alva Review-Courier -

Jeanne Calment of Arles, France, made world news in 1997 when she died at the age of 122. That made her the world’s longest-lived person since records have been kept. Or did it?

Some people were always skeptical about Calment’s supposed age. Recently, researchers have posited a theory that – if true – debunks her legend.

Calment was born in August 1875 into a fairly wealthy family. When she married, she and her husband (who was also born rich) lived a rather upper-class lifestyle with servants and expensive hobbies.

In January of 1898 Calment gave birth to her only child, a daughter named Yvon...