Living to 100: More than luck and genes
February 13, 2008
Living to 100 is not so much a matter of luck, or genetics, or lack of chronic illness, as it is lifestyle. Indeed, nearly one-third of the centenarians interviewed in a study conducted by Boston University researchers had been diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes years earlier. For those who suffer chronic illness, doctors who did not take an ageist attitude that treating older patients does not offer much benefit, had patients who went on to live to 100 years of age.
While a certain amount of luck and good genetics factor into the longevity equation, healthy lifestyle habits make quite a difference in living to 100. Those who do not smoke, managed a healthy weight, and stayed physically active have greater odds of remaining agile in mind and body to 100 and beyond. According to the researchers, survival decreased with each risk factor.
In the US, there are more than 55,000 centenarians. Americans who are 85 and older are this country’s fastest growing group of older adults.
Wonder how long you might live? Based on medical research and scientific data, The Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator asks 40 questions related to your health and family to estimate how long you can expect to live at www.livingto100.com.