Living beyond 100 remains rare, even as lifespans rise worldwide. Only a small fraction reach this milestone, but their health patterns are unique. Centenarians — those aged 100 and older — may hold clues to extending lifespan. They might also help us extend healthspan. Their existence challenges the belief that ageing always brings chronic illness.
Researchers have long debated whether longevity depends on avoiding disease, surviving it better, or simply postponing its onset.
Two major Swedish studies led by Karin Modig at Karolinska Institutet show a clear trend: centenarians develop fewer diseases and do so much later than their peers.
First Study: A Century-Long Perspective
The first study followed 170,787 people born in Stockholm County between 1912 and 1922 for up to 40 years.
From age 60 until death or their 100th birthday, researchers tracked rates of stroke, heart attack, hip fracture, and several cancers.
- At 85: Only 4% of centenarians had suffered a stroke, compared to 10% of those living to 90–99 years.
- At 100: Just 12.5% had experienced a heart attack, versus 24% among those dying at 80–89 years.
The findings suggest many centenarians either avoid major diseases or experience them decades later than average.
Second Study: A Wider View of Health
The second study tracked 274,108 people born between 1920 and 1922 from age 70 until death or age 100. Researchers assessed 40 health conditions — from hypertension to heart failure. Of these, only 4,330 people (1.5%) became centenarians.
They accumulated diseases more slowly, often limited to a single organ system, making them easier to manage.
Cardiovascular Health: A Central Factor
Cardiovascular disease was less common among centenarians at every age.
- At 80: Only 8% of centenarians had cardiovascular disease, compared to more than 15% of those dying at 85.
This reduced heart and vessel disease burden appears central to their extended survival.
Centenarians also showed greater resistance to depression and dementia. Illnesses typically appeared around age 89, compared to much earlier in shorter-lived peers. Health decline in centenarians was more gradual and stable.
The Takeaway: A Different Pattern of Ageing
Centenarians defy the typical ageing curve by delaying disease, staying resilient, and avoiding sharp health decline late in life. Their pattern suggests a long, healthy life is possible — and not just for a lucky few. Future research may help more people enjoy both longer lifespans and better health.
