The Elusive Numbers of the Very Old
For those curious about the upper echelons of human lifespan, the question, "How many people over 112 live in the United States?" points to a world of exceptional rarity. The journey to reaching such an age, and the meticulous process of documenting it, is a field known as gerontology. While official government records have, in the past, contained wildly inaccurate figures due to flawed data entry and poor record-keeping, the true number of living supercentenarians is a testament to the remarkable—and extremely rare—nature of extreme old age.
The Supercentenarian Distinction
A supercentenarian is any person who has lived to or past their 110th birthday. Reaching age 112 places them well within this elite and small group. The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is a leading authority that meticulously validates the age claims of these individuals. This process involves verifying birth certificates, census records, marriage licenses, and other historical documents to confirm the age with certainty. Unlike broad population surveys, which can be prone to self-reported errors, this validation process ensures accuracy.
Why Official Records Are Unreliable
In 2015, reports surfaced indicating millions of Social Security numbers were still active for people over the age of 112. This created a false impression of a vast elderly population. The issue was not that people were living so long, but that death records were not properly linked to Social Security numbers for deceased individuals. An audit by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in 2023 confirmed that while some records were updated, millions of outdated records still existed, further complicating data accuracy for those over 100. Therefore, relying on government databases for this specific demographic is highly misleading.
The Correct Count: The Gerontology Research Group's Role
For the most reliable and up-to-date count, one must turn to organizations like the Gerontology Research Group. This organization maintains a publicly accessible list of the world's oldest living people, with their ages confirmed by a team of experts. As of late 2024 and early 2025, a review of this data confirms there are a very small number of verified individuals over 112 in the United States, typically fluctuating in the range of a few dozen. This number changes constantly as individuals pass away and new supercentenarians reach this milestone and are validated. It highlights that living past 112 is a monumental, and very rare, accomplishment.
Demographics of the Oldest Americans
Research into supercentenarians, both past and present, reveals clear demographic trends. These include:
- Gender Disparity: The vast majority of supercentenarians are women. This trend is consistent across the globe and holds true for Americans as well. While the exact reasons are complex, research suggests biological differences and historical lifestyle factors play a role.
- Geographic Distribution: There isn't one single location where all supercentenarians reside. They are found across various states, and their distribution often mirrors that of the general population, with a higher number of individuals residing in highly populated states like California, Florida, and New York.
- Health and Lifestyle: Studies show that supercentenarians often enjoy good health for a large portion of their lives, with a compression of disability toward the very end. However, living to such an advanced age comes with a higher risk of developing conditions like dementia, arthritis, and other chronic diseases.
Challenges in Counting and Validation
Counting people at the extreme end of the age spectrum presents unique challenges. The GRG validation process, while the gold standard, is intensive and relies on historical records that may be incomplete or difficult to obtain. Many potential supercentenarian claims remain unverified due to a lack of sufficient documentation. Additionally, with the advent of the internet, social media claims can spread widely but often lack the rigorous proof required for official validation.
Comparison: Sources of Supercentenarian Data
| Feature | Gerontology Research Group (GRG) | Social Security Administration (SSA) Data (Pre-Audit) | U.S. Census Bureau (Self-Reported) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verification Level | High: Meticulous, document-based age validation | Low: Prone to errors, based on records potentially missing death entries | Medium: Based on self-reported ages, can contain exaggeration |
| Accuracy | Highest for validated cases | Very Low for extreme ages due to flawed record-keeping | Varies; known to have inaccuracies |
| Scope | Global list of validated supercentenarians (110+) | All SSA numberholders with active records | National estimates based on sampling and self-reporting |
| Usefulness | Most reliable source for validated extreme age populations | Unreliable for extreme age population counts | Gives an estimate, but not individual validation |
Outlook and Implications
As medical and scientific advancements continue, the number of people living into their 100s will likely increase significantly over the next few decades, as projections from organizations like the Pew Research Center have noted for the general centenarian population. However, the number of individuals reaching the exceptional age of 112 and beyond is expected to remain relatively small due to the biological limits of the human lifespan. Research on supercentenarians provides invaluable insights into the genetics and environmental factors contributing to extraordinary longevity.
Ultimately, the question of how many people over 112 live in the United States is more than just a number; it is a profound look into the far edge of human survival. The definitive answer requires relying on the dedicated work of scientific research groups rather than flawed government data, painting a clearer picture of a small, extraordinary group of Americans.
For additional information, you can explore the Gerontology Research Group's website.
Conclusion
Understanding how many people over 112 live in the United States requires moving beyond misleading government record audits and focusing on the meticulous work of gerontology experts. While flawed federal data once suggested millions, the reality is a much smaller, consistently validated group of individuals. These supercentenarians, overwhelmingly female, offer scientists a window into the secrets of extreme longevity, reminding us that reaching such an advanced age is an extraordinary achievement reserved for a very small few.
