Centenarians

What is a centenarian? Good question. It's someone who's lived at least a hundred years or more. Let's take a look at some statistics: 90% of them are are female; and centenarians who are women are twice as likely to have children after the age of forty than women who live to the age of 73.  Centenarians usually report good health into their 90s, which is quite an achievement, and 15% of them live by themselves. 

But what's the secret to longevity? Well, studies have shown that healthy lifestyle has an affect on it. An optimistic outlook on life also increases lifespan. But how about centenarians themselves: what do they say? 

There are 50,000 in the USA alone, but this is to be expected in a country so big. However, there are certain 'hotspots' of longer lifespans scattered throughout the world. One of these is the Greek island of Ikaria. Residents of this island have said that a close-knit circle of family and friends is a greatly contributing factor. Also, their diet and the fact that a good portion of them still do work of some kind on a regular basis is a distinct reason for longevity. Being a centenarian, they say, is all about lifestyle.