JOIN USResearchers claim to have found that many people who live to reach 100 avoid developing common diseases such as cancer; others remain fit and well until the last few months of their long lives, having enjoyed healthy lifestyles when younger.
The study, carried out by The International Longevity Centre UK think-tank and funded by Age UK, says that becoming a centenarian is one of the most celebrated achievements in the society, ‘The Daily Telegraph’ reported.
It adds: “Some research appears to suggest that centenarians continue to enjoy better physical health than ‘younger’ cohorts of older people into their centenarian years and avoid many of the non-communicable diseases associated with older age. This pattern is even thought to extend to supercentenarians (those aged 110 plus) who are found to be no more susceptible to illness and disability than nonagenarians and showed similar levels of independence.”
The study concludes that action should be taken to cater for the specific needs of this growing community. David Sinclair, ILC-UK assistant director, policy and communications, said: “Whilst reaching 100 years of age is an aspiration for many, it is one which few people have achieved.