Scientists break down all the things people who live to 100 have in common
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Scientists have broken down what people who have reached the grand age of 100 have in common.
It's pretty obvious you're more likely to have a longer life if you eat the right foods and exercise appropriately, but there is much more to living to the grand age of 100.
While it may be partly down to luck, there are a ton of things those who live to the age of 100 have in common.
A new study conducted by experts at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, found that those who live past the age of 100 seem to 'avoid' diseases instead of 'simply survive them more effectively'.
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As part of the study, researchers looked into the health of a large group of people born between 1920 and 1922.
They found that only 4 percent of those involved had a stroke by the age of 85, with experts surprised at the results.
Dr Karen Modig, lead author of the study, wrote in the Conversation: "Moreover, despite living longer, their lifetime risk for most diseases never reached those of their shorter-lived peers.
"At the age of 100, 12.5% of centenarians had experienced a heart attack, compared to just over 24% among people who lived between the ages of 80 and 89. This suggests that centenarians delay – and in many cases even avoid – major age-related diseases, rather than simply surviving them more effectively."
The expert added: "Our findings suggest that exceptional longevity isn’t just about postponing illness but reflects a distinct pattern of ageing. But whether this is mainly due to genetics, lifestyle, environment or a combination of these factors remains unknown.
"The next step in our research will be to explore what factors predict living to 100 – and how such predictors operate during a person’s life."
Of course, there are many things you can do to better your chances of having a long and healthy life and even the possibility of reaching the age of 100.
Eating and sleeping well, plus frequent exercise is the key, though there is not a single factor that will help, according to experts.
Dr Modig told Newsweek: "Studies of supercentenarians have tried to identify one but haven't succeeded. However, having a healthy cardiovascular system and maintaining a positive outlook on life, feeling a sense of purpose, does seem to be a common pattern."
One thing is for sure however, you look after yourself and your body will look after you!