Things about people who live to be 100

Around the world, people are living longer than ever before. In 1900, the global average life expectancy was just 32 years; in 2024, it was 73.33 years. This also means the world has an increasing number of centenarians — people who live to be 100 or older. According to United Nations data, there are an estimated 722,000 centenariansworldwide. This number is expected to continue rising with longevity trends, with the global centenarian population projected to be around 4 million by 2054. With all that in mind, and considering our own increased likelihood of one day being centenarians, let’s take a look at some fascinating facts about the people who achieved this senior status.

They are more likely to be women

In the United States, centenarians account for just 0.03% of the overall population, a number that’s expected to rise to 0.1% by 2054. Of the more than 100,000 centenarians in the United States, an astounding 78% are women. Several factors contribute to women being more likely to live to 100, including the fact that women age more slowly than men, delaying the onset of health issues such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. Women also tend to be more risk-averse than men and are less likely to engage in behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and using recreational drugs, all of which can lead to long-term health issues.

Genetics are a bigger factor than lifestyle

Scientists believe that lifestyle factors such as eating healthy and staying physically active play a more important role than genetics in influencing our health and lifespan until we’re in our 70s. But as we age into our 80s and beyond, genetics start to play a larger part in our health and longevity. The study of longevity genes is still developing, but genome sequencing studies have identified certain gene variants that can influence lifespan. Among these gene variants are ones that support the function and maintenance of the body’s cells and those that are linked to lipid levels, inflammation, and the cardiovascular and immune systems. Some, but not all, centenarians have these gene variants, and scientists believe there may be other variants contributing to longer lifespans that have not yet been identified.

They are resilient in many ways

Centenarians often seem to be remarkably resilient with regard to their health, which can be attributed to both lifestyle and genetic factors. However, there are three other kinds of resilience that are connected to longevity: cognitive resilience, economic resilience, and personal resilience. Key factors including strong intellectual function, economic and social support, and a robust personality are essential for maintaining the quality of life that contributes to longevity. Researchers are interested in better understanding how the oldest members of society maintain their resilience in these areas, in the hopes that the answers may help improve the health and longevity of the population at large.

25% of centenarians retain their cognitive health

Not everyone who lives to 100 and beyond maintains their cognitive health, but we know cognitive resilience — maintaining or regaining cognitive function despite aging, brain damage, or disease — contributes to quality of life and supports longevity. Studies indicate 50% of centenarians have clear symptoms of dementia and 25% show some signs of cognitive impairment, while the remaining 25% are considered cognitively healthy. Researchers speculate that some people are resistant to the brain-damaging effects of Alzheimer’s disease while others are cognitively resilient, demonstrating a cognitive reserve that allows them to better cope with the pathological brain changes of the disease.

While we cannot prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, studies have noted that certain lifestyle factors can contribute to our cognitive resilience, including consuming a Mediterranean-style diet and exercising regularly, as well as socializing with other people and engaging in intellectual pursuits through education and employment.   

Many share two specific traits

Despite differences in lifestyle, studies have shown centenarians tend to share two specific personality traits: a positive attitude and a high degree of emotional awareness. In studies, many centenarians describe themselves as being optimistic, easygoing, and extroverted, and often mention laughter as essential to their lives — all qualities that reduce anxiety and depression and contribute to good overall mental health. Many centenarians also report being comfortable with openly expressing their emotions, which helps maintain healthy relationships and contributes to our overall well-being. That said, researchers continue to study whether these traits directly contribute to longevity or whether they may simply be a byproduct of living longer.