Blessings for long life seem to be working for many, as the number of centenarians and near-centenarians worldwide has almost quadrupled in the past two decades. According to a recent systematic review published in the scientific journal GeroScience, it is projected that the number of individuals living past 100 will rise to 3.5 million by 2050. This study, titled “A systematic review of diet and medication use among centenarians and near-centenarians worldwide,” highlights the importance of lifestyle factors in promoting healthy aging and longevity.
One of the key findings of the study is the significant role that diet and nutrition play in promoting healthy longevity. Maintaining a diverse diet with controlled salt intake, such as the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to be essential for living a longer life. Centenarians who eat a variety of foods, including milk and grains, tend to live much longer. The study also emphasizes the importance of avoiding smoking and tobacco, as they can harm the body in many ways and increase the risk of premature death.
Another important factor highlighted in the study is the role of sleep in living longer and better. Individuals without sleep disturbances are projected to live six additional years in good health and three more years without chronic diseases between the ages of 50 and 75. Sleep satisfaction has also been found to modulate the link between occupational stress and metabolic syndrome or BMI, while both long and short sleep durations are associated with an increased risk of death.
The study also looked at medication use among centenarians and near-centenarians. While many individuals in this age group may require multiple medications for chronic conditions, the study found a relatively low prevalence of polypharmacy among centenarians compared to those aged 75 and older or residents in nursing facilities. On average, centenarians were taking 4.6 medications, which may reflect a lower disease prevalence in this group.
Living conditions were also found to play a significant role in longevity, with over 75% of centenarians living in rural areas. The study suggests that rural lifestyles may contribute significantly to prolonged health and longevity, and enhancing green spaces, tree canopy, and public parks in urban settings may help boost life expectancy and postpone epigenetic aging.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, medication use, and living conditions in promoting healthy aging and longevity. By adopting healthy habits and making positive lifestyle choices, individuals can increase their chances of living a longer and healthier life. The blessings for long life from elders may indeed be working for many, as evidenced by the growing number of centenarians and near-centenarians worldwide.
