What is the oldest record still standing in the Guinness World Records book, and what is the story behind it?

The oldest record still standing in the Guinness World Records book is that of Jeanne Calment, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old. Calment was born on February 21, 1875, in Arles, France, and lived through two World Wars, the Russian Revolution, and the invention of the automobile. She married at the age of 21, had a daughter at 36, and outlived both her husband and child. In her later years, Calment became something of a celebrity in France, with journalists and photographers documenting her daily life. She continued to ride a bicycle until the age of 100 and smoked until she was 117.

Calment's longevity was attributed to a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in olive oil, port wine, and chocolate. She also credited her long life to laughter and staying active. Her remarkable age was verified by the Guinness World Records, and she remains a symbol of aging gracefully and living life to the fullest.