Centenarians: The Official Name for Those Who Reach 100
A person who has reached the impressive milestone of 100 years of age is called a centenarian. The term is derived from the Latin word centum, meaning “hundred,” and has been used since the late 1700s. For most of history, reaching this age was extremely rare, making centenarians a subject of fascination and study. However, with advances in healthcare and improved living conditions, this demographic is expanding rapidly, with their numbers nearly tripling in the U.S. over the last 30 years.
The Super-Agers: Beyond 100
While centenarian refers to anyone 100 or older, there are further distinctions for those who achieve even greater longevity. People who live to 110 or beyond are known as supercentenarians. This age milestone is extremely rare, with only about one in a thousand centenarians reaching this point. This ultra-exclusive group is of particular interest to researchers studying the secrets of extreme human longevity.
Factors Influencing Longevity
What allows some people to live for a century or more? Research points to a complex mix of genetics, lifestyle choices, and environment. Longevity studies, such as the Okinawa Centenarian Study, have identified several key contributing factors:
- Genetics: Longevity is known to run in families, suggesting a strong genetic component. For supercentenarians, genetic factors may play an even more significant role.
- Lifestyle: Many centenarians exhibit lifelong patterns of healthy behaviors. These can include stress management, avoiding smoking, and maintaining social connections. The importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even without exceptional genes, can significantly increase a person's chances of reaching 90.
- Diet: Studies of populations with high concentrations of centenarians, often found in 'Blue Zones,' highlight the importance of a healthy diet. For instance, the Okinawan diet, rich in fish, vegetables, and soy, and low in meat and processed foods, is strongly associated with their high centenarian rate.
- Physical Activity: Regular, moderate physical activity is a common trait among long-lived individuals. This doesn't always mean strenuous exercise but often includes daily activities like gardening or walking.
- Resilience and Mindset: Some research suggests that psychological factors, such as extroverted personality traits and resilience, may contribute to exceptional longevity by improving how individuals cope with stress.
The Study of Centenarians
As the number of centenarians grows, so does the scientific interest in studying them. Gerontologists and researchers from institutions like Boston University's New England Centenarian Study examine the biological and social factors underpinning extreme longevity. These studies have shown that many centenarians don't simply live longer; they age more slowly and compress their periods of morbidity, or disease, into a shorter time frame at the very end of their lives. This suggests that centenarians possess unique protective biological factors, from robust immune systems to unique gut microbiomes.
Comparison of Age-Based Naming Conventions
To put the term into perspective, here is a breakdown of different age-based terms:
| Term | Age Range | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagenarian | 70-79 years old | Denotes the seventh decade of life. |
| Octogenarian | 80-89 years old | Denotes the eighth decade of life. |
| Nonagenarian | 90-99 years old | Denotes the ninth decade of life. |
| Centenarian | 100-109 years old | The first milestone of living a full century. |
| Supercentenarian | 110+ years old | A rare achievement representing extreme longevity. |
Societal Impact of an Aging Population
The rising number of centenarians has broader societal implications. It challenges policymakers and healthcare professionals to adapt to the unique needs of a rapidly aging population. Providing adequate care, housing, and social services for the oldest among us is becoming an increasingly important public health priority. The study of centenarians offers valuable insights into how to promote not just long life, but healthy aging across the population.
Conclusion
To summarize, people who live over 100 years are called centenarians. If they live to be 110 or older, they are called supercentenarians. While reaching this milestone remains rare, their numbers are on the rise due to a combination of genetic resilience and healthy lifestyle choices. The continuing study of these exceptional individuals provides a blueprint for healthy aging and has significant implications for future healthcare and social policy.
Learn more about how genetic and environmental factors influence extreme longevity and overall health by exploring resources from the National Institute on Aging.
