Interesting Facts About “Supercentenarians”

– and What Some Boston Researchers Are Learning About Them

Society has long been fascinated with people who beat the odds as they age, not only surviving but thriving well beyond expectations. Recently, a more specific focus area has been drawing attention: the growing number of supercentenarians, people who make it to 110 and beyond. 

The team at Right at Home in Newton, MA loves aiding in the longevity of all of our clients through our specialized care process. Stories about these supercentenarians show the world something that has long been apparent to us: that everyone ages differently. There are many reasons certain people continue enjoying life’s many pleasures into their 80s, 90s, and sometimes even past 100. But it’s still fun to look to these folks for inspiration and perhaps some pearls of wisdom. 

What Habits of Supercentenarians Tell Us About People Over 100

The lives of centenarians are fascinating in part because they are so different from one another. People who live past 110 come from different parts of the globe and have stories that are entirely unique. At 100, many are still living physically active lifestyles. They have had full lives and often continue to enjoy favorite pastimes, close family ties, and their fortunate genetics. Relaxing, sleeping and taking pleasure where they can all seem part of the deal. 

As for diet, there are plenty of variances and some unexpected revelations. The last supercentenarian to be born in the nineteenth century reportedly consumed eggs, pasta and raw meat each day. Others indulge in bacon and chocolate, while one woman finally gave up her daily beer and whisky habit at age 110, per doctors’ orders.

Sometimes it’s their physical abilities that stand out. Today, the oldest known living person was born in 1908 in Japan and was still trekking across Japanese monuments at 100. However, the current oldest living person in the U.S., Elizabeth Francis, is known for something else: speaking her mind at age 115. While gardening and eating healthy have helped her odds, her pursuit of close relationships and social ties also play important roles in her wellbeing. 

Boston-Based Centenarian Study Is Starting to Answer Questions About Longevity

What’s the secret to this incredible longevity that a growing number of folks are experiencing? A Boston-based group overseeing a major New England Centenarian Study (NECS) – the largest of its kind – has been studying that question for decades. Their motto is, the older you get, the healthier you’ve been. And centenarians are, genetically, highly resilient individuals. 

However, contrary to what some may think, aging does not mean you haven’t suffered serious illness or disability in your time. Some discoveries about centenarians, according to the NECS: 

• Their presence has doubled in the past 20 years 

• Many (42%) have survived diseases in the past

• A similar percentage (43%) of “delayers” only experience age-related disease after 80 

• Although men are generally healthier, 90 percent of supercentenarians are women

• The role of genetics in longevity increases as people age 

One finding that may surprise some is that centenarians have as many “disease-associated genetic variants” as other folks. The group’s research is ongoing and is aimed at learning more about the root causes of Altzeimers as well as traits that these rare individuals share. 

Contact Right at Home Boston Metro West For Information on Local Senior Care Programs

You don’t have to be breaking any age records to reap the benefits of our many services at Right at Home’s Boston Metro West location (although we think it’s great if you are!). Our assistance can help keep seniors out of hospitals and in their homes longer, but there is also short-term care available for those needing something more temporary. 

Contact Right at Home Boston Metro West to find out more about our in-home care solutions.