Centenarians on the rise: Living over 100 is now more common

Centenarians, once a rarity, have now become common. They are the fastest-growing demographic group, doubling roughly every decade since the 1970s.

How long humans can live and what defines a healthy, long life have intrigued us for centuries.

Decoding the longevity mystery

More than two millennia ago, even renowned philosophers like Plato and Aristotle were captivated by the enigma of aging.

Unveiling the secrets behind exceptional longevity, however, is no simple task. It involves understanding the intricate relationship between genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors, and how they interact throughout a person’s lifetime.

A recent study led from Karolinska Institutet gives us more insight into this topic. The researchers have identified some common biomarkers, including levels of cholesterol and glucose, in individuals who have had the privilege of blowing out more than 90 candles on their birthday cake.

“Despite the claim that chance plays an important role in the achievement of exceptional longevity, it has repeatedly been shown that already earlier in life, centenarians are a selected group with fewer disabilities, comorbidities, hospitalizations, and better cognitive function compared to non-centenarians,” wrote the study authors.

Centenarians and the secrets to healthy aging

Scientists are fascinated by nonagenarians and centenarians, as they offer insights into living longer and aging in better health. These individuals may hold the secrets to understanding longevity and healthy aging.

However, many previous studies on this topic have been limited in scope, often focusing on smaller or selective groups.

For example, some research has excluded centenarians living in care homes, which can skew findings. By studying a broader and more inclusive range of participants, researchers aim to uncover the factors that contribute to both extended lifespan and improved quality of life.

Biomarkers of centenarians

Breaking away from small-scale studies, this recent research is the largest of its kind to date. It compares biomarker profiles between exceptionally long-lived individuals and their shorter-lived peers.

The data includes information of 44,000 Swedes aged between 64-99 from the so-called Amoris cohort. Out of these people, 1,224 made it to the age of 100, and about 85% were female.

A dozen blood-based biomarkers related to inflammation, metabolism, liver and kidney function, as well as potential malnutrition and anaemia were included in the study.

The researchers found that people who reached their hundredth birthday generally had lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid after their sixties.

While centenarians and non-centenarians didn’t markedly differ in median values for most biomarkers, centenarians rarely exhibited extremely high or low values.

Metabolic health, nutrition, and longevity

When investigating which biomarkers were linked to the likelihood of reaching 100, the researchers found that all but two (alat and albumin) of the 12 biomarkers influenced the chances of becoming a centenarian.

For example, people with the lowest levels of total cholesterol and iron had a lower chance of reaching 100 years compared to those with higher levels.

While the differences were generally small, these findings indicate a potential relationship between metabolic health, nutrition, and exceptional longevity.

The study doesn’t suggest any specific lifestyle factors or genes responsible for these biomarker values. Yet, it is realistic to believe that elements like nutrition and alcohol intake might have some role.

While chance may play a part in reaching an exceptional age, it appears that genes and lifestyle could also be important. Therefore, keeping an eye on your kidney and liver values, as well as glucose and uric acid as you age, might be a good idea.

After all, who wouldn’t want a chance at blowing out a centenary of candles?

More facts on centenarians

Centenarians credit their long lives to a few simple habits: staying positive, building strong relationships, and having a sense of purpose.

Many stick to plant-based diets with little processed food, stay active with hobbies like gardening, and occasionally enjoy a drink.

Genetics also play a big part, helping older adults recover from illness and avoid chronic diseases. Most live healthy, active lives right up until their later years, proving that it’s not just about living longer – it’s about living well.

The study on blood biomarker profiles and exceptional longevity is published in the journal GeoScience.

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