Centenarians are rapidly becoming the largest demographic worldwide, with their numbers nearly doubling every ten years since the 1970s.
Researchers have long been fascinated by what contributes to a long and healthy life. This exploration isn’t new; philosophers like Plato and Aristotle were already pondering the ageing process over 2,300 years ago.
To understand the secrets behind longevity, it’s crucial to dig into the mix of genetics and lifestyle choices and how they work together.
In a groundbreaking study featured in GeroScience, scientists revealed key biomarkers that are common among those who reach the age of 90 and beyond, including cholesterol and glucose levels.
This research stands out as one of the largest ever conducted in this area, scrutinizing the health indicators of individuals who lived past 100 compared to those who had shorter lifespans.
The data originated from health evaluations of around 44,000 Swedish individuals aged between 64 and 99 years. The participants were tracked using Swedish register data for up to 35 years. Among them, 2.7% (1,224) achieved the milestone of turning 100, with 85% of these centenarians being women.
Results indicated that lower levels of glucose, creatinine—which is associated with kidney health—and uric acid were typical in those who celebrated their 100th birthday. These findings hint at a possible connection between metabolic wellness, nutrition, and extraordinary longevity.
While the study could not draw firm conclusions about lifestyle influences, the authors noted that it’s plausible that factors like diet and alcohol consumption also play significant roles.
Ultimately, the observable differences in biomarkers well before one’s passing suggest that both genetic predispositions and lifestyle habits are at play, though luck likely has a part too.
This article was first published on October 16, 2023
