What Defines a Centenarian and Supercentenarian?
A centenarian is simply a person who has celebrated their 100th birthday or has reached an age of 100 years or older. This milestone places them in a rare and exceptional demographic group, though their numbers are steadily rising worldwide. The term itself is derived from the Latin word centum, meaning 'hundred'.
Within this group, an even more select category exists: the supercentenarian. This term is reserved for individuals who have reached the extraordinary age of 110 years or older. This age milestone is only achieved by about one in a thousand centenarians, and studying these individuals provides unique insights into the upper limits of human longevity. Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days, remains the longest documented human lifespan in history.
The Demographics of Extreme Longevity
Examining the population of people living over 100 reveals several striking demographic patterns. Across the globe, women consistently outnumber men in the centenarian population. In 2020, nearly 79% of centenarians in the U.S. were female, a trend seen in most countries. While the female majority is expected to continue, recent trends show that the male centenarian population is growing at a faster rate, though still a smaller proportion overall.
The centenarian population is the fastest-growing age group in many industrialized nations, and this growth is projected to continue. For example, the US centenarian population is projected to quadruple over the next 30 years. This increase is largely attributed to improvements in medicine and overall quality of life, allowing more people with the genetic and environmental potential for longevity to survive common age-related health challenges.
Factors Contributing to Exceptional Longevity
Reaching the age of 100 is not a random event; it is the result of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Research into the lifestyles of centenarians, particularly those residing in so-called 'Blue Zones'—areas where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives—reveals some common threads.
Lifestyle and Environment
- Diet: Centenarians in regions like Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia, Italy, often adhere to a diet rich in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and practice a low-calorie intake. Moderate consumption of alcohol is also noted in some of these cultures.
- Physical Activity: High levels of daily physical activity, often built naturally into daily routines like walking, gardening, and housework, are a consistent finding. This differs from structured, high-intensity exercise and is a lifelong habit.
- Social and Spiritual Life: Strong social connections and community integration are critical. Many centenarians maintain close ties with family and friends and have a strong sense of purpose, which helps mitigate stress. Spirituality and a focus on community have also been identified in studies.
Genetic Resilience
While lifestyle is crucial, genetics provides a foundational level of resilience. Studies have shown that extreme longevity often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary component. Specific genetic variants, such as those related to the FOXO3A gene, have been found more frequently in centenarians worldwide. Furthermore, centenarians often exhibit robust biological mechanisms for cellular repair, including higher activity of the DNA repair protein PARP, which may protect them from the effects of aging.
The Health Profile of Centenarians
Contrary to the myth that growing older automatically means becoming sicker, centenarian studies show a different picture, often referred to as the 'compression of morbidity'. These individuals tend to remain functionally independent and free of major age-related diseases until very late in life. A significant portion of centenarians delay the onset of diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke until their late 90s or even escape them entirely. This indicates that their longer lifespans are not simply an extension of frailty, but rather a testament to successful, healthy aging.
Comparison: Centenarians vs. Supercentenarians
| Feature | Centenarian (100+ years) | Supercentenarian (110+ years) |
|---|---|---|
| Incidence | Rare, but increasing; a faster-growing age group. | Extremely rare; only about 1 in 1,000 centenarians reach this age. |
| Health Profile | Delaying or escaping age-related diseases is common. Many maintain high levels of function until very late in life. | Even more resilient, with a lower incidence of age-related illnesses until the very end of their lives. |
| Genetics | Possess a combination of protective genetic variants and healthy environmental factors. | Likely possess even more robust genetic factors that dramatically slow the aging process. |
| Demographics | Overwhelmingly female, but with increasing diversity in some populations. | Female dominance is even more pronounced, with very few verified male supercentenarians. |
Conclusion
In summary, the term for people who live over 100 is centenarian, with the designation supercentenarian reserved for those who reach 110 or more. The study of these remarkable individuals has provided valuable insights into the complex factors influencing human longevity, revealing that while genetics plays a role, a healthy lifestyle, social integration, and a positive mindset are equally critical. As global populations continue to age, the number of centenarians will rise, offering further opportunities for research into the science of living well for a century and beyond. To learn more about specific research, the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University is an authoritative source.
