The Rarity of Extreme Longevity
Reaching the age of 112 is a monumental achievement, far surpassing average human life expectancy and even the milestone of becoming a centenarian (100 years old). These individuals fall into a distinct category known as supercentenarians—those who live to 110 or older. This level of extreme longevity is not simply a matter of living a few extra years; it represents a profound and rare combination of genetic fortune, robust health, and environmental factors. As a result, the number of people who live to be 112 at any given time is always very small globally.
The Supercentenarian Distinction
While the population of centenarians is growing worldwide, the number of supercentenarians remains stubbornly low. Research from groups like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and the New England Centenarian Study indicates that there are only a few hundred living supercentenarians globally at any point. The number of people reaching 112, a full two years beyond the supercentenarian threshold, is a small subset of that already tiny group. This demographic is so rare that their health trajectories and genetic makeup are subjects of extensive scientific study, as they represent the extreme upper limit of human life.
Clarifying the Statistics on Living to 112
It can be challenging to pinpoint an exact, real-time number of people aged 112, as the figure is constantly changing with births and deaths. Official government records can sometimes be misleading or outdated. In 2015, for instance, reports surfaced about millions of Americans potentially over 112, but this was due to flawed Social Security Administration (SSA) death records, not an actual number of living individuals. The most reliable data comes from dedicated research organizations that meticulously verify ages.
Historically, estimates by reputable gerontology researchers have placed the number of living supercentenarians in the low hundreds, and only a fraction of those are 112 or older. For perspective, the odds of a centenarian reaching 110 are roughly 1 in 1,000. Extending that longevity to 112 makes the probability even smaller, highlighting the extreme selectivity of this age group.
The Importance of Verification
Due to the rarity of extreme longevity, organizations like the Gerontology Research Group play a crucial role in validating supercentenarian claims. Their process involves meticulous examination of birth and death certificates, census records, and other identifying documents. This verification process ensures that the statistics on the world's oldest people are as accurate as possible, preventing fraudulent or unconfirmed claims from skewing the data. It is through their work that we can confidently state that the number of 112-year-olds is very low, often a few dozen worldwide.
The Science of Extreme Longevity
Genetic predisposition is arguably the most significant factor in reaching such an advanced age. Researchers have found that supercentenarians often possess a unique genetic makeup that protects them from age-related diseases. Studies have identified variants in genes like STK17A and COA1 that may enhance DNA repair and slow aging effects. This suggests that reaching 112 is, in many ways, like winning a genetic lottery.
Lifestyle and Attitude
While genetics play a major role, lifestyle and attitude also contribute significantly. Studies of exceptionally long-lived populations, such as those in Blue Zones, have revealed common characteristics that likely play a part. These include a strong sense of purpose, low stress levels, social engagement, and a healthy diet. While these factors are important for living a longer, healthier life in general, they likely complement a strong genetic foundation in supercentenarians, rather than being the sole determinant of their extreme age.
Centenarians vs. Supercentenarians: A Comparison
| Feature | Centenarians (100+) | Supercentenarians (110+) |
|---|---|---|
| Incidence | Growing population, relatively common | Extremely rare, only a few hundred globally |
| Mortality | Death rates increase with age | Mortality rate may plateau after 105 |
| Health Status | Often experienced age-related diseases earlier | High incidence of morbidity compression (staying healthier longer) |
| Genetic Factors | Strong genetic component | Unique genetic profile, akin to winning a genetic lottery |
| Gender | Predominantly female (around 85%) | Even higher proportion of females (over 90%) |
| Research Focus | Studying the genetics and lifestyles of long life | Focused on the biological limits of the human lifespan |
Conclusion: A Rare and Remarkable Feat
In summary, the number of people who live to be 112 is exceptionally small, consistently remaining in the low dozens globally at any given time. Reaching this milestone is far beyond the norm, even for those who live to 100. It is a rare combination of genetic protection against disease and robust health, often complemented by a resilient mindset and healthy lifestyle habits. As our understanding of gerontology advances, we continue to learn from these remarkable individuals, pushing the boundaries of what is known about the human lifespan and what factors allow a select few to thrive for so long.
