Is it possible to be 106 years old? The science of supercentenarians

While the average life expectancy for humans is much lower, reaching the age of 106 is a rare but achievable milestone for a special group of individuals known as supercentenarians. Yes, it is possible to be 106 years old, as demonstrated by numerous documented cases around the world.

Quick Summary

An exploration of the scientific and lifestyle factors behind exceptional longevity. The article delves into the roles of genetics, environment, diet, exercise, and social connections in reaching supercentenarian status, highlighting documented cases and research on extreme aging.

Key Points

• Rarity and possibility: Yes, it is possible to live to 106, though it is extremely rare and achieved only by a small fraction of centenarians known as supercentenarians.

• Genetic influence: Strong genetic predisposition is a major factor, particularly variants that aid in DNA repair and cellular resilience against aging and disease.

• Lifestyle habits: Consistent healthy habits, including a balanced diet (like the Mediterranean style), regular physical activity, and prioritizing sufficient sleep, are critical for longevity.

• Social connection: Robust social relationships and a strong sense of purpose are vital psychological factors that contribute to both a longer and healthier life.

• Compression of morbidity: Supercentenarians often remain remarkably healthy and free from major chronic diseases until very late in their lives, a phenomenon known as compressing disability.

• Environmental factors: Location can play a role, as seen in Blue Zones, where environmental factors combine with lifestyle and community to support extreme longevity.

The Science of Supercentenarians

Reaching the age of 106 places an individual in a very exclusive group of the oldest living people, known as supercentenarians. The scientific community has long studied these remarkable individuals to uncover the biological and environmental secrets of extreme longevity. Research shows that while genes play a significant role, particularly in delaying age-related diseases, lifestyle and environment are also critical determinants. Many supercentenarians exhibit a phenomenon known as 'compression of morbidity,' meaning they remain free of major chronic diseases until the final years of their very long lives.

The Genetic Advantage

Genetic predisposition is a key factor in reaching advanced ages like 106. The New England Centenarian Study has shown that the role of genetics in longevity increases with age.

• Protective Variants: Genomic studies have identified specific genetic variants that protect against age-related diseases. Genes like STK17A (increased expression) and COA1 (reduced expression) have been linked to improved DNA repair and a lower level of somatic mutations.
• Cellular Resilience: Researchers have found that certain tissues, like the cerebellum, are exceptionally protected from aging effects in supercentenarians. This resilience helps maintain function and potentially explains why some avoid neurodegenerative diseases.

Critical Lifestyle Factors

While genetics can give a head start, daily habits are what often enable a person to fully capitalize on their inherent potential for long life.

• Diet: Many centenarians and supercentenarians follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, often resembling the Mediterranean diet. A lower-calorie intake and controlled salt are also common themes. Some also exhibit unique, individualistic dietary habits, like the Japanese supercentenarian who enjoyed coffee and sweets, or an Italian who famously ate raw eggs.
• Physical Activity: Consistent, moderate physical activity throughout life is almost universally practiced by the extremely long-lived. This includes gardening, walking, or regular exercise to maintain muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular health.
• Social Connections: Strong social relationships and a sense of community are consistently linked to better health outcomes and longevity. Isolation and loneliness are considered as detrimental to health as smoking.
• Stress Management: Managing stress through positive thinking, meditation, or a purposeful life is another common trait among centenarians. Many report a positive outlook and avoidance of unnecessary stress.
• No Smoking: Not smoking is a significant predictor of longevity, as tobacco use promotes chronic inflammation and other deadly diseases.

The Role of Environment

Environment plays a role that is sometimes more significant than genetics alone. Studies have observed a link between specific environments and longevity.

• Blue Zones: Research on regions known as "Blue Zones," such as Okinawa (Japan) and Sardinia (Italy), reveals that a combination of diet, physical activity, and social environment contributes to a higher concentration of centenarians.
• Socioeconomic Status: Studies have also found correlations between higher socioeconomic status, access to resources, and longer life expectancy. This reflects the impact of overall living conditions and access to quality healthcare.

Comparison of Centenarian vs. Supercentenarian Traits

Feature	Typical Centenarian (100-109)	Supercentenarian (110+)
Genetics	Genetic factors contribute, but lifestyle is equally impactful.	Stronger genetic predisposition is more evident, with notable resilience and cellular protection.
Health Status	Often delay the onset of age-related illnesses until much later in life.	Exhibits extreme compression of morbidity, remaining disease-free until shortly before death.
Incidence	While still rare, the number of centenarians is rising rapidly due to advances in healthcare and living standards.	Far rarer, achieved by only about 1 in 1,000 centenarians. The number is increasing, but remains extremely low.
Gender Balance	More women than men, but the gender gap is not as extreme as with supercentenarians.	Overwhelmingly female; women outnumber men by a significant margin in this age group.
Lifestyle Habits	Good habits like diet and exercise are common.	Maintains and often intensifies healthy habits, with social and mental well-being being highly prioritized.
Environmental Factors	Benefits from improved healthcare, sanitation, and living conditions that have increased overall life expectancy.	Sometimes found in isolated or specific regions with traditional, healthy lifestyles, such as Blue Zones.

Conclusion

The possibility of living to 106 is a testament to the complex interplay of genetic inheritance, consistent healthy lifestyle choices, and favorable environmental conditions. While exceptionally rare, documented supercentenarians like Ethel Caterham, who celebrated her 116th birthday, prove that such extreme longevity is within the bounds of human potential. Their stories provide valuable insights, suggesting that while we cannot change our genes, a combination of regular exercise, a balanced diet, robust social connections, and stress management significantly improves our chances not only of living longer, but of doing so in good health. [The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/04/well/live/live-longer-health.html]

References

• Supercentenarian - Wikipedia. (n.d.). [Online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercentenarian
• 106-year-old WWII nurse donates bullet from husband's heart to Pearl Harbor museum. (2025, September 27). New York Post.
• 'Sharp as a tack' 106-year-old man reveals secrets for longevity. (2022, February 4). New York Post.
• Interesting Facts About “Supercentenarians” - Right at Home. (n.d.). [Online] Available at: https://www.rightathome.net/boston-metro-west/blog/interesting-facts-about-supercentenarians
• Is longevity determined by genetics? - MedlinePlus. (2022, July 11). [Online] Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/longevity/
• Summary of What's Known » New England Supercentenarian Study. (n.d.). [Online] Available at: https://www.bumc.bu.edu/supercentenarian/summary-of-what%E2%80%99s-known/
• We reviewed the health habits of centenarians. These 4 things could lead to a longer life. (2024, August 12). The Conversation.
• Blue Zones Diet: Food Secrets of the World's Longest-Lived People. (2020, July). Blue Zones.
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• National Centenarian's Day: 7 common habits of the world's longest living people. (2024, September 22). Times of India.
• The 7 Keys to Longevity. (2024, January 4). The New York Times.
• A 106-year-old who gardens every day gives her advice for living a long, healthy life. (2023, December 18). Business Insider.
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• The inexorable rise of centenarians and supercentenarians. (n.d.). [Online] Available at: https://www.ined.fr/en/everything_about_population/demographic-facts-sheets/focus-on/the-inexorable-rise-of-centenarians-and-supercentenarians/
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a supercentenarian?

A supercentenarian is an individual who has reached the age of 110 years or more. This is an extremely rare achievement, with only about one in a thousand centenarians reaching this age.

What role does genetics play in living to 106?

Genetics play a crucial role in exceptional longevity, especially in delaying or avoiding age-related diseases. Studies show that the influence of genes becomes stronger at more advanced ages, with specific gene variants contributing to cellular resilience and DNA repair.

Can lifestyle changes help me live to 106?

While lifestyle changes can't guarantee you will reach 106, adopting healthy habits significantly increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life. Key factors include a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and strong social connections.

Are there more female or male supercentenarians?

There are significantly more female supercentenarians than male ones. Data shows that the vast majority of people living to 110 or older are women, a trend that is consistent across different countries.

What is the longest confirmed human lifespan?

The longest fully authenticated human lifespan is that of Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old. She passed away in 1997.

What is a 'Blue Zone' and how does it relate to longevity?

A 'Blue Zone' is a demographic and geographic area where people live measurably longer lives. Research in these zones, such as Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia, Italy, points to factors like a plant-based diet, daily physical activity, strong social ties, and low stress as key to longevity.

Is living to 106 a realistic goal for most people?

No, while achievable for a select few, living to 106 is not a realistic goal for most people. It requires a rare combination of favorable genetics, a healthy lifestyle, and a bit of luck. The takeaway should be to focus on a healthy lifestyle to extend your 'health span,' the period of life spent in good health.