Fact-checking: Truth behind the viral cave rescue of a '188-year-old' man, what we know so far

In the beginning of October 2024, one video went particularly viral. It showed a man - who looked very old and frail - being rescued from a cave by two younger men. This could have been the end of the story, until internet users got involved. Here's what you might have missed.

The Saint is more than 100 years old

On 3 October 2024, an internet user called Concerned Citizen shared a video on X, showing a very old and frail man being rescued from a cave. Nothing extraordinary so far. However, the user claimed the man was 188 years old, which left people uneasy, as it seems pretty impossible. The video has since amassed around 30 million views. Soon after, in face of the serious backlash the video caused, a disclaimer appeared under the video, stating:

Misinformation! The elderly man is a Hindu Saint named ‘Siyaram Baba’ who lives in Madhya Pradesh, India. According to reports, he is about 110 years old.

The man is indeed an Indian Saint, who is famous in his region. In an article published by the Navbharat Times, we learn just how incredible the figure of Siyaram Baba is:

Even at the age of 109, Baba reads the Ramayana without glasses and does all his work by himself. Baba speaks very little, yet devotees still flock to seek his blessings.

While no one knows his exact age, it is believed that he is around 109 or 110 years old.

How long can you possibly live?

The viral video posed a very serious question: is it physically possible to live up to 188 years old? An actual doctor, named Dr. Dimon Hundeshagen, commented on the post, explaining:

Medically, it is virtually impossible for a human to live to 188 years old. The longest verified human lifespan is 122 years, achieved by Jeanne Calment.

While science is constantly evolving, and allowing people to live longer and in better health, human beings still have an expiration date. The doctor went on:

Even with exceptional genetics, a healthy lifestyle, and advances in medicine, the body undergoes irreversible declines in function, making such an extreme age highly improbable.

The oldest person on Earth at the moment is reportedly Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman, who is said to be 119 years old. Internet user Concerned Citizen commented on his own post, apologising for his misinformed comment. He wrote:

I’m embarrassed I even wrote 188. Anything over 120 would have been ridiculous.

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Sources used:

Metro: People have some questions about ‘188-year-old man found living in a cave’

Navbharat Times: Siyaram Baba