The existence of individuals over 100 years old, or centenarians, is a well-documented and growing phenomenon. While they still represent a small fraction of the total population, advancements in medicine and overall quality of life have led to a steady increase in their numbers over recent decades. This growth is so significant that the U.S. centenarian population is projected to quadruple over the next 30 years.
The World's Oldest Living People
As of September 2025, the world's oldest living person whose age has been validated is Ethel Caterham of the United Kingdom, who was born on August 21, 1909. Her longevity, along with other verified supercentenarians (people aged 110 or older), is meticulously tracked by organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records. The oldest person ever whose age was independently verified was Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to the remarkable age of 122 years and 164 days (1875–1997).
Notable Verified Centenarians
- Jeanne Calment (France): The longest-living human ever verified, passing away at 122 years old in 1997.
- Kane Tanaka (Japan): Lived to 119 years old, passing away in 2022. She enjoyed playing board games and eating chocolate in her later years.
- Jiroemon Kimura (Japan): The oldest verified man ever, who lived to be 116 years old. He passed away in 2013.
- Ethel Caterham (United Kingdom): The oldest verified living person as of late 2025, reaching the age of 116.
- Maria Branyas (Spain): Lived to 117 years and 168 days, dying in 2024. She attributed her long life to an orderly, pleasant life without excesses.
Demographics of Centenarians
Statistics reveal clear patterns among centenarian populations, with significant differences based on sex, race, and living arrangements.
Centenarian Demographics Comparison
| Demographic | Female Centenarians (Approx.) | Male Centenarians (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Sex Composition | Overwhelmingly female, representing roughly 78-85% of centenarians. | Significantly fewer, making up approximately 15-22% of the centenarian population. |
| Population Growth (2010-2020, U.S.) | Grew by about 42.9%. | Experienced much faster growth, increasing by about 85.3%. |
| Living Arrangements (U.S., 2020) | About two-thirds live alone or in group quarters, such as nursing homes. | About half live with others in a household, with lower rates in group quarters. |
| Prevalence of Supercentenarians | Dominate the supercentenarian population, representing about 90% of individuals aged 110+. | While rare, those who survive to this extreme age often exhibit a robust health profile. |
| Health Status (Hypothesized) | May handle age-related diseases better, though are more likely to live with disability. | Must be relatively healthier to survive to this age, resulting in a “survival of the fittest” phenomenon. |
Factors Contributing to Exceptional Longevity
Scientists and researchers have studied centenarians extensively to uncover the secrets of their long lives. While no single factor guarantees a triple-digit lifespan, a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environment plays a crucial role.
- Genetics: A strong family history of longevity is a key indicator. Studies have found that siblings of centenarians have a significantly higher probability of living to an old age compared to their birth cohorts. Some research suggests genetic variants on the X chromosome may provide a survival advantage for women.
- Lifestyle and Attitude: Many centenarians attribute their long life to simple, healthy habits. Maria Branyas, a recent supercentenarian, mentioned living an orderly life without excesses. Ethel Caterham's advice is to "say yes to every opportunity" and maintain a positive attitude. Research also points to the importance of finding joy in daily life and accepting limitations.
- Health Profile: Contrary to the stereotype that the oldest people are the sickest, studies indicate that centenarians often delay age-related diseases far longer than average. Many are classified as "delayers" (developing diseases after age 80) or even "escapers" (those with no clinically demonstrable disease at 100).
- Social Connection: Strong social networks and family connections are repeatedly cited by centenarians as vital. However, the advanced age also presents a unique challenge: outliving close friends and even some children, which can lead to increased risk of social isolation.
Centenarians and the Future
As the global population continues to age and life expectancies rise, the number of centenarians will continue to grow. This demographic shift presents new challenges and opportunities for society, from healthcare and housing to the economy. For example, the increasing population of centenarians will require more robust and accessible support systems, particularly concerning mobility and long-term care. Organizations like the Gerontology Research Group continue to study this unique population to unlock the keys to healthy, exceptional longevity.
Conclusion In summary, the question "Is there anyone over 100 years old?" is no longer a matter of wonder but a verifiable fact. There are many centenarians worldwide, with their population steadily increasing. While genetics provide a crucial head start, a positive mental attitude, healthy habits, and robust social connections are consistently cited as key factors. The study of this unique demographic offers profound insights into human longevity and the potential for a longer, healthier future for all. As researchers continue their work, our understanding of what it takes to live to 100 and beyond will only continue to grow.
