Recent studies have shed light on the common health advantages of centenarians, individuals who live to 100 years. These studies, including research from Sweden and a 2025 Lancet study, show that people who reach 100 years old tend to accumulate health conditions more slowly and have a lower disease burden compared to those who live shorter lives.
The Swedish study, published in the journal GeroScience, analyzed historical data from individuals born between 1912 and 1922, tracking their health from 1972 to 2022. The findings suggest that centenarians are able to delay and avoid many major age-related diseases rather than simply surviving them. This challenges the long-held belief that a longer lifespan necessarily leads to higher disease rates.
A 2025 study published in The Lancet expanded on these findings by examining the health trajectories of older individuals born between 1920 and 1922. Researchers found that centenarians have fewer diagnosed conditions and accumulate diseases at a slower rate. Cardiovascular diseases remain the most common diagnoses across all ages, but they contribute less to the overall disease burden among centenarians. Malignancies like certain cancers are more commonly present, while neuropsychiatric conditions such as anxiety and dementia are less prevalent.
Dr. Macie P. Smith, a licensed social worker and gerontologist, explains that centenarians often avoid exposure to harmful elements like radiation, additives, and preservatives. She suggests that their lifestyle choices, including a reliance on natural remedies and organic foods, and reduced exposure to modern stressors, may contribute to their longevity. Additionally, she highlights the importance of stress management and maintaining strong social connections as factors that support long life.
Smith also notes that older generations may have been more ‘free-spirited,’ with less societal scrutiny and fewer restrictions than today. She advises making healthy lifestyle choices early in life, such as maintaining a low-fat, low-salt diet, managing stress, staying active, and ensuring adequate sleep. These habits, she says, can significantly reduce the risk of future health complications and promote a longer, healthier life.