Ilse Meingast
- Full name: Ilse Meingast
- Lifespan: (14.03.1912 – present)
- Age: 114 years
- Birthplace: German Empire (now Germany)
- Last residence: USA (California)
- Application date: 14.03.2022
- Validation date: 09.09.2024
- Validation source: Stefan Jamin/Christof Bünte/Waclaw Jan Kroczek/Meingast family
Biography
Ilse Meingast was born in Berlin, German Empire (now Germany) on March 14 1912. In her 30s, she moved to California, USA. She worked as a seamstress. She had three children, including Ruth Mewes (aged 88 in March 2021).
On 12 March 2021, aged 108, Meingast got vaccinated against COVID-19, making her one of the oldest people to receive the vaccine.
In March 2022, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming a supercentenarian.
On 22 February 2024, following the death of 116-year-old Edie Ceccarelli, Meingast became the oldest living person in California.
On 27 August 2024, following the death of 114-year-old Charlotte Kretschmann, Meingast became the oldest living German-born person.
Ilse Meingast currently lives in Cotati, California, USA at the age of 114.
Sources
*Confirmed alive and well in January 2026 by private contact with family.*
Longevity recognition
- Oldest living German person in the world (27.08.2024 – present)
- Oldest living person in California (22.02.2024 – present)
Validation
Following cooperation with the Meingast family members, Ilse Meingast’s age was meticulously examined and verified by Stefan Jamin, GRG Correspondent for Germany, Christof Bünte and Waclaw Jan Kroczek, then validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) on September 9 2024.