Comparing Absolute Numbers vs. Proportion of Population
When asking where do most centenarians live in the world, the answer depends on whether you are looking for absolute numbers or the proportion of centenarians relative to the total population. Large, highly populated countries may have the highest raw number of centenarians, but smaller nations or regions can have a much higher concentration, indicating a more widespread trend of exceptional longevity.
Absolute Numbers: The Highest Totals
For the highest total number of people aged 100 or older, countries with large populations top the list. As of 2024 estimates, Japan leads the world with over 95,000 centenarians, followed closely by other large nations.
- Japan: Leading the world with over 95,000 centenarians as of 2024, Japan's population has been recognized for its longevity for decades.
- United States: With its vast population, the U.S. has a high total number of centenarians, estimated at nearly 100,000 in 2024. However, this figure is a smaller percentage of its overall population compared to Japan.
- China and India: These countries have enormous populations, leading to large total counts of centenarians, but they have smaller proportions of centenarians per capita due to their relatively young overall populations.
Per Capita: The Highest Proportion
Examining the percentage of centenarians within a country provides a different perspective on where people are most likely to live to 100. Per capita rankings often highlight nations known for specific lifestyle and health factors.
- Japan: The country also consistently ranks highest in centenarians per capita, meaning a greater percentage of its population reaches the age of 100 than anywhere else.
- Thailand: Surprising to some, Thailand has a significant number and proportion of centenarians, ranking high in per capita calculations in recent years.
- Uruguay, Hong Kong, and Puerto Rico: These regions have also shown high rates of centenarians relative to their population size, suggesting favorable local conditions for longevity.
The Role of Blue Zones
Beyond national statistics, specific, localized regions known as "Blue Zones" are famous for their high concentration of centenarians. These five areas were identified by researchers for their shared lifestyle characteristics that promote longevity.
- Okinawa, Japan: The original and most famous Blue Zone, Okinawa's population is known for its high number of centenarians, attributed to a diet heavy in vegetables and fish, strong social networks, and a low-stress lifestyle.
- Sardinia, Italy: This Italian island has an exceptionally high rate of male centenarians. Their longevity is linked to a healthy diet, pastoral lifestyle, and strong family ties.
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Inhabitants of this region often live to 100+ years due to a strong sense of purpose, active lifestyle, and a diet rich in beans and corn tortillas.
- Ikaria, Greece: This island's population features exceptional longevity due to its traditional Mediterranean diet, close-knit community, and emphasis on napping and moderate physical activity.
- Loma Linda, California, USA: This Blue Zone is unique for its community of Seventh-day Adventists, whose lifestyle promotes plant-based eating, regular exercise, and strong social connections.
Longevity Factors: Lifestyle vs. Genetics
Research suggests that while genetics play a role in longevity, lifestyle factors contribute as much as 80% to how long a person lives. Studying centenarian populations provides crucial insights into these contributing factors.
- Diet: Many centenarian populations share a diet rich in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and low in red meat and processed sugars.
- Physical Activity: Regular, moderate physical activity, often integrated into daily life through gardening, walking, and manual labor, is a common trait among centenarians.
- Social and Community Engagement: Strong social networks, a sense of purpose, and close family ties are protective factors associated with prolonged lifespans, combating isolation.
- Healthcare Access: Robust healthcare systems and access to quality medical care contribute significantly to preventing and managing chronic diseases, increasing life expectancy and the likelihood of reaching 100.
A Look at Population Data
| Ranking Type | Top Performer | Key Runner-ups | Contributing Factors | Projections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Number | United States (2024: 98,034) | Japan (2025: 99,763), China, India | Large total population, advanced healthcare | China projected to have largest population of centenarians by 2050 due to population size. |
| Proportion per Capita | Japan (2025: 80.6 per 100,000) | Thailand (2024: 69.1 per 100,000), Hong Kong, Spain | High life expectancy, healthy lifestyles, robust social systems | Japan and Thailand projected to maintain high proportions, with China and India gaining significant numbers. |
| Specific Regions (Blue Zones) | Okinawa, Japan | Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), Loma Linda (USA) | Unique blend of diet, active lifestyle, and strong social bonds | Studies in these zones continue to provide insights into aging and longevity. |
Conclusion
Where most centenarians live in the world can be understood in two main ways. Japan stands out as the global leader for the highest proportion of centenarians per capita, reflecting a society where longevity is a widespread phenomenon. The United States, due to its large population, often reports the highest absolute number of individuals reaching this milestone. Additionally, concentrated pockets of exceptional longevity, known as Blue Zones, such as Okinawa and Sardinia, highlight specific, health-promoting lifestyle and community factors that enable people to live to 100 and beyond. The increasing number of centenarians worldwide points toward global improvements in healthcare and living standards, but the specific lessons from these long-lived communities continue to offer invaluable insights into what contributes to a long and healthy life.
For more detailed research on the factors contributing to aging and longevity, visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website for resources on the Blue Zones and other related studies.
