In two extensive studies involving hundreds of thousands of individuals born in Sweden at the beginning of the 20th century, research found that centenarians face serious diseases only later in life and at a slower rate. Their risks remain significantly lower than their peers throughout their lives. For instance, at age 85, only 4% of those who later reached 100 had a stroke, compared to 10% of those who did not live to that age. Even at 100, the risk of heart disease remained about half compared to younger age groups, according to Science Alert. The study also showed that centenarians were less prone to cardiovascular diseases and demonstrated better resistance to neurological and psychological conditions. The study’s results suggest that exceptional longevity is not just about delaying the onset of diseases, but also reflects a distinctive pattern of aging. However, the question remains open as to whether the cause is primarily genetic factors, lifestyle, environment, or a combination of these factors. The next step for researchers will be to study the indicators that predict reaching the age of 100 and understand how they affect an individual’s life.
