The answer is: 600

Gen 7:6 - He had been around for quite sometime before the flood waters came!

Noah was a remarkable figure, famously noted for being 600 years old when the floodwaters swept over the earth. His longevity not only sets him apart in biblical history but reflects a fascinating time in the ancient world, when people were said to live for several hundred years. Before Noah, folks like Methuselah reportedly lived to be a staggering 969 years old! Talk about a lifestyle; you could travel around the world a few times without using a mortgage!

Another interesting tidbit is that according to many interpretations, the Great Flood was not just a local phenomenon. It’s visualized as a reset moment, akin to hitting the "refresh" button. There are echoes of these flood narratives across many cultures, from the Babylonians' Epic of Gilgamesh to even Native American stories, hinting that floods were a significant theme resonating throughout human civilization.

We should also ponder Noah's role post-flood. He became a new patriarch of humanity, indicating divine rebirth and hope after utter devastation. Genesis depicts Noah as a farmer, symbolizing a return to earth and toil, maybe reminiscing of humanity's harmonious existence before the sordid backdrop of sin led to disaster. His story invites us to explore preservation, not just of life but humanity's values, like compassion and stewardship, elements essential for ensuring another flood doesn’t come—metaphorically, at least. It’s all about planting those seeds of purity, dignity, and care for our world in a larger sense!