Niamh Shackleton
A 102-year-old man has shared the key to living past 100 and he reflected on his very impressive — and very long — life.
If you go back to the 1920s, most Americans would only live to their mid-fifties and the idea of becoming a centenarian was pretty much unheard of.
But fast forward to more recent years and data has found that people are now more likely than ever to hit the huge milestone.
Research put together by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) found that, in 2024, more than 16,000 people in the UK were over the age of 100.
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Meanwhile, over in Australia, baby girls born in 2021 reportedly had a 40 percent chance of living to 100, ABC News said.
It isn't just newborns that have a chance of living so long though, as proven by Brian Barry, who celebrated his 102nd birthday on February 6.
Brian has been branded a 'super ager' due to his age and the fact he's still sharp as a tack.
Following his birthday, Brian featured on Sunrise and was asked to share his tips about longevity and he revealed that he doesn't drink or smoke.
"When I was a boy, I never thought I'd live to 102," he continued. "Does anyone ever think they're going to live to 102?"
Brian proceed to say that he thinks that 'life's changed completely' and that it's now a 'different world'.
When asked what he thinks of today's world, he said he was 'shocked with it'.
"Kids don't respect you," Brian shared. "I mean, my old man would twist my ear if I didn't open the door for my mother or didn't stand up for an old lady on the tram. You know, manners were manners.
"They were taught at home but today it's different."
Going back to Brian's mind and memory being so sharp, dementia researchers have said that the 102-year-old's lifestyle is a great example of how to keep your brain healthy.
As reported by news.com.au, elements of his lifestyle, such as physical activity, social engagement, avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, and a strong sense of purpose and service to others will have helped him keep dementia at bay.
Elsewhere, CHeBA’s (Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing) researchers say that Brian's positive mindset has benefitted him too.
Speaking of what he thinks each day as he gets up, Brian shared: "You wake up every morning, I say to myself: Brian, you’re here another day. Thank the Lord."