Defining a Supercentenarian
A supercentenarian is a person who has reached or surpassed their 110th birthday. The prefix "super" distinguishes them from centenarians, who are 100 years old or older. The term has been in use since at least 1832, though the 110-year cutoff for demographic criteria was established later. Demographers and gerontologists study this elite group to better understand the mechanisms of extreme aging and the factors that allow a select few to exceed the typical human lifespan.
The Rarity of Extreme Longevity
The number of people who become supercentenarians is remarkably small. While the population of centenarians has been steadily increasing, the number of people who reach 110 remains limited. A 2010 study estimated that there were between 300 and 450 living supercentenarians worldwide. In the United States, there are likely only around 60 living supercentenarians at any given time. The odds of a centenarian reaching 110 years old are roughly 1 in 1,000, underscoring the exceptional nature of this milestone.
Factors Influencing Extreme Longevity
Research into supercentenarians focuses on understanding the unique blend of factors that contribute to their extraordinary lifespans. Unlike typical aging, extreme longevity appears to involve a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Some common traits observed in these individuals include a delayed onset of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular issues, stroke, and cancer, until very late in life.
- Genetic Factors: Studies suggest genetics play a crucial role. Supercentenarians often possess specific genetic markers that offer protection against age-related diseases. Research published in eLife in 2021 found that these individuals and semi-supercentenarians (105-109 years old) had genetic characteristics that improve DNA repair mechanisms. Offspring of centenarians also show better cardiovascular health and lower epigenetic age compared to their peers.
- Lifestyle and Environment: While genetics provide a foundation, lifestyle and environmental factors are also significant. Many supercentenarians credit their longevity to habits like a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and strong social connections. Individuals living in "Blue Zones"—regions known for higher concentrations of long-lived people—often share these characteristics. For example, the traditional diet in Sardinia, Italy, is rich in whole grains, legumes, and goat milk, contributing to the island's longevity.
- Personality Traits: Personality traits are another area of research. Thomas T. Perls, director of the New England Centenarian Study, noted that supercentenarians and centenarians often have extroverted personalities and strong ties to their families. Similarly, Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones, found that long-lived individuals in these regions tend to have a positive outlook, noting, "the grumps seem to die out".
The Health Profile of Supercentenarians vs. Centenarians
| Characteristic | Centenarian (100-109 years) | Supercentenarian (110+ years) |
|---|---|---|
| Disease Onset | Often experience a delay in the onset of age-related diseases until their 80s or 90s. | Markedly delay or escape major age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, until very late in life. |
| Health Span | May experience age-related illness and frailty for a number of years before death. | Often experience a "compression of morbidity," meaning their health span is very close to their lifespan, with rapid decline only shortly before death. |
| Genetics | Longevity is influenced by genetics, but they are also a product of improving public health and hygiene. | More likely to have a unique combination of protective genes that enable survival to extreme old age. |
| Lifestyle Impact | Good health habits and socioeconomic conditions play a significant role in reaching 100. | While healthy habits are important, a rare genetic component appears to be the most influential factor at this extreme age. |
| Incidence | The population of centenarians is growing rapidly in many industrialized nations. | Extremely rare, with only a few hundred confirmed living individuals worldwide. |
Noteworthy Supercentenarians
Studying individuals who have lived to 110 and beyond provides a fascinating look at the upper limits of human longevity. The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) meticulously validates the ages of supercentenarians to maintain accurate records. Jeanne Calment of France, who passed away in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days, remains the longest human lifespan documented. Notable supercentenarians often lived remarkable lives, bearing witness to immense historical and technological changes. For example, Kane Tanaka of Japan, who died in 2022 at 119, survived two world wars and the 1918 influenza outbreak. These individuals offer not only biological data but also a unique historical perspective.
Conclusion
To answer the question, what do you call someone over 110 years old?, the correct term is supercentenarian. These individuals are exceptional outliers in human longevity, demonstrating a rare combination of genetic advantages, healthy lifestyles, and environmental influences that allow them to live significantly longer than average. While the number of centenarians is on the rise, supercentenarians remain a tiny, elite group of the oldest-old. Ongoing research into their biology and life stories continues to provide valuable insights into the secrets of extreme human lifespan.
Note: The study of supercentenarians and longevity is a dynamic field, with new research and validated cases emerging regularly. For the most up-to-date information, authoritative sources like the Gerontology Research Group are the best resource.
