Centenarians are people who live to be 100 years old or older, and scientists have long been fascinated by their ability to live longer and healthier lives. A new study published by researchers, including the author of this article, has uncovered a key factor that may contribute to centenarian longevity: avoiding disease.
In two recent studies, the researchers analyzed data from people born in the same year and found that centenarians had lower rates of disease overall throughout their lives, even when they reached late-midlife. They also developed diseases more slowly than their shorter-lived peers, reducing their risk of deadly conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
One key finding was that centenarians were less likely to experience cardiovascular disease, with only 4% having a stroke at age 85 compared to around 10% of those who almost became centenarians. They also had lower rates of heart attacks, with 12.5% experiencing one by age 100 compared to over 24% among people who lived between the ages of 80 and 89.
While the study focused on more serious diagnoses of major diseases, it suggests that the key to longevity may not be avoiding disease entirely, but rather avoiding developing severe or serious diseases. The researchers also found that centenarians were more likely to have conditions limited to a single organ system, making them easier to treat and manage in the long term.
The study’s findings offer valuable insights into healthy ageing and challenge the common belief that a longer life inevitably comes with more disease. Understanding the mechanisms behind healthy ageing in centenarians may provide clues for promoting longer, healthier lives for all.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/people-who-live-to-100-have-a-unique-relationship-with-disease