Nothing beats the expertise gained from a lifetime of experience. So when it comes to the secrets of living a long and happy life, no one knows better than those who've done it themselves.

Nothing beats the expertise gained from a lifetime of experience. So when it comes to the secrets of living a long and happy life, no one knows better than those who've done it themselves. We've compiled some of the tips for longevity left behind from some of the world's oldest people. So cross your fingers, follow their advice and perhaps someday, people will be asking you what your secret is.

Jeanne Calment (1875 – 1997: 122 years)

The oldest documented person in history lived in the south of France. When she died one of her biographers, Jean-Marie Robine remarked that Calment was someone who "was immune to stress. She once said, 'If you can't do anything about it, don't worry about it.'"

A housewife who never had to work, she found time for many athletic pursuits including tennis, roller skating, bicycling, swimming and hunting. She even took up fencing in her 80s.

Gertrude Weaver (1898 – 2015: 116 years)

Born to sharecroppers, Weaver married in 1915 and had four children while working as a housekeeper. Faith was important for her longevity. She said, "You have to follow God. Don't follow anyone else. Be obedient and follow the laws and don't worry about anything. I've followed him for many, many years and I ain't tired."

Misao Okawa (1898 – 2015: 117 years)

Japan has one of the largest populations of elderly people in the world. Scientists attribute some of that longevity to a diet that leans heavily on seafood. Okawa's favorite meal was sushi, specifically mackerel on vinegar-steamed rice.

Jiroemon Kimura (1897 – 2013: 116 years)

Another record-setting Japanese supercentenarian was Jiroemon Kimura who set the record of oldest documented man. He attributed his longevity to diet, saying the key is to eat healthy, in small portions and don't be picky. He did express partiality to red bean cake and rice.