The Growing Centenarian Population in America
Living to 100 was once an extremely rare occurrence, but advances in public health and medicine have made it a more attainable milestone for a growing number of people. The U.S. centenarian population has been steadily increasing for decades, as highlighted by a Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data. This upward trend is reshaping our understanding of old age and the unique characteristics of those who reach a triple-digit birthday.
Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau's "Centenarians: 2020" report provides the most accurate picture of this demographic group. The report found that in 2020, 80,139 Americans had reached the age of 100 or older. This number represents a remarkable 50% increase from the 53,364 centenarians counted in the 2010 census. The growth rate of this group outpaces that of other older age brackets, showcasing a significant shift in demographic patterns.
Projections for the Future: A Quadrupling Population
Looking ahead, demographers project even more dramatic growth in the centenarian population. Pew Research Center, using Census Bureau projections, estimates that the number of Americans aged 100 or older could more than quadruple over the next three decades. Forecasts suggest an increase from around 101,000 in 2024 to approximately 422,000 by 2054. The continued aging of the population, driven in large part by the massive baby boomer generation reaching advanced ages, is a primary factor behind this trend.
- By 2054, centenarians are expected to constitute 0.1% of the total U.S. population, a small but notable increase from the current 0.03%.
- Globally, the centenarian population is also expanding significantly, with projections of nearly 4 million worldwide by 2054.
- These projections, however, are not guaranteed and are based on assumptions about future mortality trends.
Demographic Profile of American Centenarians
An analysis of the centenarian population reveals several key demographic characteristics, though these are expected to evolve over time.
Gender Disparity
Historically, and today, there is a significant gender gap among centenarians. Women have a higher life expectancy and consequently represent the vast majority of this age group. In 2020, nearly 79% of U.S. centenarians were women. However, a notable trend is emerging, with the male centenarian population growing at a much faster rate. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of male centenarians increased by 85.3%, compared to a 42.9% increase for females. This rapid growth is projected to continue, with men expected to make up 32% of the centenarian population by 2054, up from 22% in 2024.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
While the centenarian population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, it is still disproportionately White. In 2024, approximately 77% of centenarians were White, while much smaller percentages were Black (8%), Asian (7%), or Hispanic (6%). The racial distribution is expected to shift over the next three decades, with larger shares of Hispanic and Black individuals projected to reach 100 years or older.
Living Arrangements
For centenarians in 2020, living arrangements varied significantly by gender and race. Nearly 34% lived alone, about 37% lived with others in a household, and around 25% were in nursing homes. The Census Bureau found that female centenarians were twice as likely as their male counterparts to live in nursing homes. Racial and ethnic diversity was highest among those living with others in a household.
Why is the Centenarian Population Growing?
The increasing number of centenarians is a testament to progress in several key areas. A combination of factors, both medical and societal, contributes to the rise in extreme longevity.
- Medical Advances: Improvements in healthcare, from new treatments for common diseases to better management of chronic conditions, allow more people to survive illnesses that would have been fatal in the past.
- Improved Public Health: Broader public health initiatives, including better sanitation, safer living conditions, and vaccinations, have helped combat infectious diseases and improve overall population health.
- Lifestyle Factors: As noted by longevity researchers, some centenarians credit healthy lifestyle habits, such as never smoking or drinking, eating healthy diets, and staying physically active. Genetics also play a significant role in reaching extreme old age.
- Blue Zones: Research into so-called “Blue Zones”—areas with unusually high rates of longevity—has identified key lifestyle factors like social connections, plant-based diets, and physical activity that contribute to living longer.
Comparison of U.S. Centenarian Population: 2010 vs. 2020
To understand the shifts in this demographic, examining data from the 2010 and 2020 censuses is particularly insightful.
Demographic Characteristic | 2010 Census Data | 2020 Census Data | Percent Change | Insight |
---|---|---|---|---|
Total Centenarians | 53,364 | 80,139 | +50% | Demonstrates significant growth in extreme longevity over the decade. |
Female Share | 82.8% | 78.8% | -4.0 points | Women remain the majority, but their share is decreasing slightly as men catch up. |
Male Share | 17.2% | 21.2% | +4.0 points | Male centenarian population is growing at a much faster rate, narrowing the gender gap. |
White Alone Share | N/A (Methodology Change) | Approx. 77% (2024 data) | N/A | Though comparisons are difficult due to changes in census race questions, White Americans make up the largest group, but the population is diversifying. |
Black Alone Share | 12.2% | 10.3% | -1.9 points | Share of Black centenarians saw a temporary decline during this period, contrary to overall racial diversity trends. |
A Glimpse into the Lives of Centenarians
Beyond the statistics, the experiences of centenarians offer valuable perspectives on aging and longevity. Many individuals who reach this age are not simply surviving, but thriving. They often emphasize maintaining social connections, a positive outlook, and physical activity throughout their lives. For example, the oldest American, Naomi Whitehead, credited good genes and enjoying activities like cooking and drawing for her long life. Research by longevity experts like Dr. Thomas Perls and Dan Buettner, who have studied hundreds of centenarians, supports these anecdotal findings, highlighting the importance of stress management, quality sleep, and healthy habits.
Challenges of an Aging Population
While the increase in longevity is a positive development, it also presents societal challenges. The Center for Retirement Research notes that the surging centenarian population highlights critical policy concerns, including the need for more caregivers and the financial strain of a potentially decades-long retirement. The current caregiving infrastructure is already strained, and with more people living to extreme ages, the demand for both paid and unpaid care will only grow. This places a significant burden on families and underscores the need for robust support systems.
Conclusion
As of the 2020 Census, there were 80,139 Americans aged 100 or older, a number that is projected to quadruple in the coming decades. The centenarian population is primarily female and White, though it is becoming more diverse and includes a faster-growing segment of male centenarians. This upward trend in longevity is a result of improved healthcare, public health measures, and often, healthy lifestyle choices. However, this demographic shift also brings challenges related to caregiving and financial planning for an exceptionally long retirement. The ongoing growth and diversification of the centenarian population will continue to be a crucial area of study for demographers and health researchers in the years to come.
For more on the demographic data discussed in this article, see the Pew Research Center analysis.